Edible Insects: Cochineal Beetle
Posted on March 29, 2012
A recent article at ABC brings home another fascinating use for edible insects. In the article, Starbucks gives it’s reasoning for adding Cochineal Beetle “extract” to one of it’s beverages:
“In what the company, in a statement, says was a move intended to reduce its use of artificial ingredients, Starbucks has started using cochineal extract to supply its Frappuccinos’ strawberry hue……..
Before you get all cold-and-bothered about your insect-Frappuccino, be advised: Cochineal is considered safe by the FDA, and is widely used for coloration in jams, preserves, meat, marinades, alcoholic drinks, bakery products, cookies, cheddar cheese and many other food products.
It has been found by the World Health Organization, however,
to cause asthma in some people, and in some others an allergic reaction.”
Source: http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/business...ed-by-insects/