DESCRIPTION

Cochineal Extract is a concentrated solution prepared from cochineal, which consists of the dried bodies of the female insect Dactylopius coccus Costa. It is obtained after removing the alcohol (ethanol and/or methanol) from an aqueous, aqueous alcoholic, or alcoholic extract of cochineal. The coloring principle is chiefly carminic acid. Commercial products may also contain proteinaceous material derived from the source insect.