Anaphylactic reactions to ingested carmine (E120)
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Updated: Oct 31, 2026

Measuring Local Anaphylaxis in Mice
Published on: October 14, 2014
B Wüthrich1, M K Kägi, W Stücker
1Department of Dermatology, University Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland.
Abstract:
We report five cases of anaphylactic reaction to carmine (cochineal, E120) after patients drank an alcoholic beverage. By means of positive skin prick tests (SPT) and positive RAST to carmine. IgE-mediated sensitization could be established. One nonatopic patient showed also a great amount of serum IgE antibodies to the carmine acid-albumin conjugate. Due to its widespread use in the food and cosmetic industry, carmine should be tested in the allergy work-up in case of allergic reactions after a drink or a meal.
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