Cochineal Extract is composed mainly of carminic acid. It is obtained by extraction with water from desiccated Cochineal insects. These insects are sessile parasites, living on cacti native to Central and South America. Carmine dye has long been used in Central and South America for coloring fabrics and body paints. Other major producers are the Canary Islands and Peru. In Japan, the pigment is used to color soft drinks, frozen sweets, confectionery, and a range of processed meats and surimi products such as ham, sausages, kamaboko (cured surimi) and surimi sausages.