(a) Identity and specifications. (1) The color additives cochineal extract and carmine shall conform in identity and specifications to the requirements of § 73.100(a) (1) and (2) and (b).

(2) Color additive mixtures for drug use made with carmine and cochineal extract may contain only those diluents that are suitable and that are listed in this subpart as safe in color additive mixtures for coloring drugs.

(b) Uses and restrictions. Cochineal extract and carmine may be safely used for coloring ingested and externally applied drugs in amounts consistent with good manufacturing practice.

(c) Labeling requirements. The label of the color additives and any mixtures intended solely or in part for coloring purposes prepared therefrom shall conform to the requirements of § 70.25 of this chapter.

(d) Exemption from certification. Certification of these color additives is not necessary for the protection of the public health, and therefore batches thereof are exempt from the certification requirements of section 721(c) of the act.