E Numbers

[Supernick]

Is E120 red colouring still obtained from crushed beetles, or is it created through other means? I have a vegetarian friend who is panicked that she's been eating things made from crushed insect life for years.

[kempie]

http://www.bryngollie.freeserve.co.uk/E120.htm

[Supernick]

Oops. How on earth would you know that? I wonder how extensive it is.

[joko]

cochineal is made from crushed beetles, bu tmost things use a fake version nowadays. not sure how you can tell through

[dzug]

The fake versions will have a different E number

[lady_p_gold]

I hate to say this but having been a veggie for many years myself I was told that it is more or less impossible for all traces of insects to be eradicated from cereal crops and that there are bound to be bits and bobs from beetles and the like in all our cereal ... plus the fact if she drinks wine etc. etc. there are some animal products in that - it is almost impossible to avoid animal products completely !