[Contact dermatitis caused by foods]

Cutaneous adverse reactions to foods and food additives are a growing public health problem which can occur both in the avocational and occupational settings. This article reviews different reaction patterns which can occur upon contact with foods and discusses some clinically important food-associated metal and fragrance allergens responsible for these adverse effects. As ultimately, education and guidance can minimize the morbidity of food allergy and enhance the quality of life of the affected individual; this article highlights this growing problem.