Got Beetles?

By Susan BushPrint Story | Email Story
Carmine, a beetle-based red colorant, is listed as an ingredient in these food products.
Some foods are being deliberately "bugged," and many consumers have been none the wiser. That may soon change. The federal Food and Drug Administration is considering requiring food and cosmetic manufacturers that use a red dye made from crushed beetles to list the ingredient on product labels. Currently, the coloring, identified as "carmine" or "cochineal extract," may appear as "artificial color," "E120," "color added," or "natural color." According to a summary of the FDA proposal, "The proposed rule responds to reports of severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, to cochineal extract and carmine-containing food and cosmetics and would allow consumers who are allergic to these color additives to identify and thus avoid products that contain these color additives." According to FDA media spokesman Michael Herndon, the proposed labeling regulation stops short of forcing product manufacturers to list the dye as "insect-based." Truth In Labeling, Please And that is unfair to consumers, according to a local woman who asked to remain anonymous. The woman said she became aware of the beetle-based coloring when she read the ingredient label on a container of strawberry flavored yogurt purchased at a local market. Because she was not familiar with the term "carmine," she investigated, and was "disgusted" to learn that carmine is made from crushed beetle bodies. A spot check of various products at local markets found "carmine" listed as an ingredient in specific Dannon and Yoplait yogurt flavors as well as some Tropicana juice varieties. The absence of a "carmine" or "cochineal extract" listing does not mean that the ingredient is not in the product because at present, manufacturers are not required to specifically identify it. Beet It, Just Beet It A review of additional products that are red in color found that in many cases, the red hue is derived from sources including beet juice and red cabbage juice. The woman said that she believes those types of dye should be used in foods instead of carmine. The woman provided a copy of an e-mail communication she sent to Yoplait's consumer services division. "Please stop using carmine in your strawberry products," she wrote. "I recently purchased a lot of your yogurt and while eating a strawberry one, I read the ingredients. Not knowing what carmine is, I looked it up. I was disgusted to find it in your product. Use beet juice like you do in cherry and raspberry. I've returned all the strawberry for other flavors." The woman received a reply from the company. "Thank you for contacting Yoplait regarding carmine used in Yoplait yogurt. Carmine is a naturally derived red color extracted from the dried shells of the cochineal beetle. Carmine is an FDA approved ingredient and is commonly used in many foods such as ice cream, soft drinks, sweets, and candies. We appreciate the opportunity to share this information with you and we will forward your comments to the appropriate individuals." The presence of carmine may pose a problem for vegetarians and those who "keep kosher" as well as those with specific allergies. Public Comment Period Ends May 1 The FDA action is a result of several reports of severe allergic reactions allegedly involving the dye. And eight years ago, in 1998, the Center for Science in the Public Interest submitted a petition asking that the FDA act and require product manufacturers to list the ingredient on its labels. The CSPI has asked that manufacturers be made to include the phrase "insect-based" as well. A public comment period focused on the FDA proposal is currently active. Consumers may submit comments about carmine and its' inclusion on ingredient labels until May 1. Electronic submissions may be sent via a federal rulemaking portal: http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/leaving.cgi Written submissions may be faxed to 1-301-827-6870. Comments may be mailed to Division of Dockets Management [HFA-305], Food and Drug Administration, 5630 Fishers Lane Room 1061, Rockville, Maryland, 20852. All comments must include the agency name, a docket number and a regulatory information number. The docket number for the carmine proposal is "Docket No.1998P-0724" and the RIN number is "0910-AF12." Here is a link to the proposed rule: www.fda.gov/ohrms/dockets/98fr/E6-1104.htm Susan Bush may be reached via e-mail at suebush@iberkshires.com or at 802-823-9367.
Share
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Friday Front Porch: Luxurious Lakefront Property

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Are you looking for a lakefront estate to spend your days? Then this might be the home for you.

Our Friday Front Porch is a weekly feature spotlighting attractive homes for sale in Berkshire County. This week, we are showcasing 140 Hancock Road.

This house was built in 2015 and has eight bedrooms and seven bathrooms. It is 6,986 square feet on a little over an acre. 

The house sits on Pontoosuc Lake and includes private lake access and a pool with an expansive deck. 

The kitchen is equipped with Wolf and SubZero appliances and there is a full outdoor kitchen as well. The property has three additional separated living quarters, each with a kitchen and its own living room. 

The house also includes a big garage for multiple cars or more.

It is on the market for $4,900,000.

We spoke with Elisha Poirier from Stone House Properties LLC, which has the listing.

What do you think makes this property stand out in the current market?

What truly sets this property apart is the incredible scale combined with its premier lakefront setting. With over 7,400 square feet of space, eight bedrooms, multiple independent living quarters, and extensive garage capacity, it offers a level of versatility that is very rare in the Berkshires. The sweeping views of Pontoosuc Lake and Mount Greylock, along with private lake access, a pool, and exceptional indoor and outdoor entertaining spaces, create a lifestyle that feels more like a private resort than a traditional home.

What was your first impression when you walked into this home?

My first impression was the sense of openness and how immediately your eye is drawn to the water. The layout was clearly designed to highlight the views, and the natural light combined with the scale of the space makes the home feel both grand and welcoming at the same time.

How would you describe the feel or atmosphere of this home?

The atmosphere is both luxurious and relaxed. It has the presence and amenities of a high-end estate, but the lakefront setting and thoughtfully designed living spaces make it feel comfortable and inviting. It's a home that works just as well for quiet mornings by the water as it does for hosting large gatherings.

What kind of buyer do you see this home being perfect for?

This home would be ideal for someone who loves to entertain and host family and friends, or for a multi-generational family looking for both shared space and private living areas. It could also appeal to someone looking for a true retreat in the Berkshires, whether as a primary residence or a luxury getaway.

What would you say to a buyer trying to imagine their life in this space?

It's easy to picture spending your mornings looking out over the lake, afternoons enjoying the pool or taking the boat out from your private dock, and evenings gathered around the outdoor kitchen or fire pit with friends and family. The property is designed so that everyday life feels like a vacation.

What do the current owners love most about this home?

What they love most is the incredible connection to the lake and the views. The property offers privacy while still feeling open to the natural beauty around it. They've also enjoyed the ability to host large gatherings while still offering guests their own comfortable and private spaces.

Are there any standout design features or recent renovations?

Some of the standout features include the chef's kitchen with high-end Wolf and SubZero appliances, multiple private living quarters with their own kitchens and entrances, and expansive outdoor entertaining areas with a built-in kitchen, pool, and fire pit. The home also includes a whole-house audio system, five laundry units, and premium Pella iron-clad windows and doors, all thoughtfully designed with sustainability and efficiency in mind. The property is insulated with spray foam throughout, maximizing energy efficiency while also providing superior protection from the strong winds often experienced on the lake.

You can find out more about this home on its listing here.

*Front Porch Feature brings you an exclusive to some of the houses listed on our real estate page every week. Here we take a bit of a deeper dive into a certain house for sale and ask questions so you don't have to.

 

View Full Story

More Regional Stories

Sports
image description

Hoosac Valley Boys Upset Drury in State Quarter-Finals

Sports
Sports
image description

Drury Comes Back on Hoosac Valley to Advance to State Semi-Finals

Sports
Sports
image description

Pittsfield Girls Get Back to Final Four

Sports
Sports
image description

Throwback Friday: Tonight's Hoosac-Drury Game Has Echoes of 2013

Sports
Sports
image description

Lee Girls Go 1-2-3 at Individual State Championships

Sports
Sports
image description

McCann Tech Icers Win State Voc Title

Sports
Latest Stories
Previous Next

What's Trending?