Carmine. Carmine is a red food coloring made from a dried insect called Dactylopius coccus Costa, which can be found on prickly pear cactus plants. This coloring is also found in various cosmetics, drinks, red yogurt and popsicles. A report of a child experiencing urticaria after drinking Kool Aid found that carmine caused the allergic reaction, and was listed under the designation “E120” on the ingredient list.
Annatto. Annatto is a yellow food coloring made from the seeds of a South American tree, Bixia orellana. This additive has been found to cause allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis and urticaria.
Saffron. This yellow food coloring, obtained from the flower of the Crocus sativa plant, has been reported as a cause of anaphylaxis.
Learn more about allergic reactions to food additives.
Sources:
Wilson BG, Bahna SL. Adverse Reactions of Food Additives. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2005; 95:499-507.
Bush RK, Taylor SL, Hefle SL. Adverse Reactions to Food and Drug Additives. In: Adkinson NF, Yunginger JW, Busse WW, et al, eds. Middleton’s Allergy Principles and Practice. 6th edition. Philadelphia: Mosby Publishing; 2003:1645-1663.
Dunlap W, Sanders G. Kool Aid-Induced Urticaria in a Pediatric Patient with Carmine Allergy: Beware of the Bugs in “Bug Juice”. Presented at the 2008 American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. Accessed November 11, 2008.
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