Have Some Bugs With Your Starbucks
A report reveals that insects are the special ingredient in a popular coffee drinkby Seymone Kelly.Every day there is a new report about something being an unexpected ingredient in foods we put in our bodies. Recently, Starbucks joined the list of companies that add surprising things to their menu. A report says that the mega-coffee chain uses a special ingredient, cochineal, for their Strawberry and Crème Frappuccino. Cochineal extract is derived from grinding the dried bodies of cochineal bugs, which are found primarily in Mexico and South America. And the use of it for the beverage chain is FDA-approved.Cochineal is not just used for Frappuccino’s, but for coloration in jams, preserves, meat, marinades, alcoholic drinks, bakery products, lipstick and many other food products. So although it is widespread, it is just now gaining attention because the World Health Organization has found that it can cause asthma in some and allergic reactions in others.In response to the report, Starbucks issues a statement that said, “Many Starbucks ingredients can be combined to create a beverage free from animal-derived products; however, we are unable to guarantee this due to the potential cross-contamination with other animal-derived products in our retail locations.”With two Starbucks on campus, this unexpected ingredient is of importance to the health of the City College community. In addition, are students angry or amused that they may be getting insects with their caffeine?A Starbucks employee at the 145th location, speaking on the condition of anonymity, was not surprised about the disclosure that he may be selling bugs to customers. “I heard that rumor a long time ago. I asked my managers about it, but they simply ignored my question. When customers come in, I can’t tell them what’s in that drink if they order it because I can lose my job.”Will the insects affect Starbucks business at the locations in the NAC or in Marshak? It is too soon to tell, but one student Laura Sanchez, 23 a student from BMCC who is taking a class at City said, “I don’t think the real Starbucks is in our school anyway. It’s like the bootleg version. So we aren’t drinking bugs here.”Although there are mixed reviews about the Starbucks at City College, the truth of the matter is that real Starbucks all across the world have kept this hidden. Yet the chain is so large and successful, it is doubtful that drinks in bugs will seriously affect their profits—it may just keep customers from ordering the strawberry Frappuccino.