Information sheet
Carmine
Description
Carmine is the aluminium lake of the colouring principle, Carminic acid obtained by aqueous extraction from the Cochineal Intact. (Dactviopius coccus costa). Carmine is a red pigment which is also suitable for the manufacture of liquid Carmine products.
Info
Uses
Bakery, Beverages, Confectionery, Dairy, Meat and Sauces and Dressings.
Chemical Specification
Dye Strength
Minimum O.D = 0.400 at 518nm (0.0025% DSB In dil NH3)
Insoluble Matter
Maximum 1.0% in dil NH3
Loss on Drying
10.0 to 21.0%
Ash
Maximum 13%
Lead
Less than 10ppm
Arsenic
Less than 5ppm
Analysis
Appearance
Red Powder
Solubility
Soluble in Alkali, insoluble in water.
Microbiology
Aerobic Plate Count/Gram
Less than 1000/g
Yeast and Mould Gram
Less than 50/g
E. Coli
Absent in 1g
Salmonella
Absent in 25g
Storage and Handling
Packaging
Carmine is available in 25kg and 50kg fibre drums.
Storage
It is recommended that Carmine is stored in an airtight container under cool and dry conditions, protected from light. A shelf life of 1 year for unopened packs.