A cochineal insect on its preferred food, the prickly pear cactus. Cochineal were harvested by the aztecs in central america to produce red dyes, and when the spanish invaded, they claimed. The kitchn, discussing whether you can use red beets for coloring a red velvet cake and discussing the challenges. Handbook on natural pigments in food and beverages: Industrial applications for improving food color, 2006, edited by reinhold carle, ralf. Red food coloring is also called red dye 40 or red dye 4. The fda (food and drug administration) officially acknowledged those colors to be used as food coloring, which means it should be safe for the human body. both red dyes have not been linked to any specific type of cancer, however, and it isn’t clear so far, how much exposure could increase the risk of cancer, it can also be the. What are the dangers or health risks of red food coloring in our food? Steps (with pictures)wikihow food safety test for harmful dye research chemistry world red dye : Allergies, sensitivity, and safety some of the truth behind.