cochineal is used as a fabric and cosmetics dye and as a natural food colouring. it is also used in histology as a preparatory stain for the examination of tissues and carbohydrates. in artists' paints, it has been replaced by synthetic reds and is largely unavailable for purchase due to poor lightfastness. natural carmine dye used in food and cosmetics can render the product unacceptable to vegetarian or vegan consumers. many muslims consider carmine-containing food forbidden ("haraam") because the dye is extracted from insects and all insects except the locust are haraam in islam. jews also avoid food containing this additive, though it is not "treif", and some authorities allow its use because the insect is dried and reduced to powder.