…dyes used in food and cosmetics, plus vegan and vegetarian trends, have the US FDA requiring cochineal be listed on all ingredients. Recent controversy when Starbucks Corporation was exposed for using Red Dye No 4 in its coffee and food products has that company as well as others switching to other dye sources.
Considering the other alternatives for food and cosmetic dyes at present are Red Dyes No 2 and 40 which are made from coal and petroleum products, cochineal dye is considered the least dangerous. The modern world, however, is searching for better sources or to eliminate dyes from foods altogether.
(Photo: modern cochineal dyed garment)