FOOD ANAPHYLAXIS FOLLOWING INGESTION OF CARMINE

Background: The risk of sensitization to reactive dyes is well establi shed. The clinical situation is caused most often by synthetic azo dye s and triphenylmethane derivatives but natural dyes such as cat-mine e xtracted from dried female insects, Coccus cacti (cochineal), have bee n incriminated. Objective: Study of a case of anaphylaxis after ingest ion of yogurt to establish the responsibility of carmine, Method: Case report of a patient who received skin prick test and leukocyte histam ine release test with carmine and yogurt, Conclusions: This case provi ded evidence of an IgE-dependent mechanism and draws attention to the triggering dose of carmine (1 mg) although the acceptable daily intake is up to 5.0 mg per kg of body weight.