Allergy due to Campari, Carmine, and Cochenille. Dyes in foodstuffs, drugs, and cosmetics

A case of allergy to Campari is reported. Campari is coloured with Carmine, a natural dye (E 120). Furthermore, Cochineal Red A (E 124), a synthetic d ye of the same colour, and Indigo-Carmine (E 132), another artificial dye, exist. Allergies are known especially to Carmine with severe clinical impac t, often as an occupational disease. Sensitisation takes place by oral inta ke, by inhalation or via the skin. Allergic alveolitis due to Carmine is al so described. Cochineal Red A (E 124) and Indigo-Carmine (E 132) also cause allergies. The frequency of allergies/intolerances may be small in the pop ulation. But the most disturbing aspect of the problem is, that nobody know s anything concerning long term effects of small doses of these substances that accumulate in the human body during the whole life. These substances a re available without prescription in many products even for breast-fed infa nts and small children without complete information concerning all ingredie nts. An exact labelling of all ingredients in foodstuffs, drugs, and cosmet ics is essential. Patients with known allergies and anaphylactic events in the past are at high risk. They should always carry systems for self applic ation and they must be trained in the use of these systems. Adrenaline/Epin ephrine is the first choice remedy.