Carmine (Carminic acid) Allergy

Carmine is also known as Natural Red 4, Crimson Lake, Cochineal, E120 and C.I. 75470.

Carmine is used to colour artificial flowers, inks, paints, cosmetics and certain foods such as red, orange, pink and purple fruit juices, yogurt, ice cream, popsicles and candy.  As a food dye, it has been known to cause severe allergic reactions.

Unfortunately, Carmine is often not listed on food labels.  As an animal product, it is considered a natural additive and can be listed as such.

Because of the production methods, Carmine is not an acceptable additive for some religions with dietary laws or vegetarians/vegans.

[Carmine is made with scale insects, egg whites, fish glue and/or gelatine.]

The symptoms of Carmine allergy can include:

Abdominal pain

Asthma symptoms

Behavior changes

Constipation

Cough

Diarrhea

Disturbed sleep

Eczema

Facial redness

Facial swelling

Headache

Hives (Uticaria)

Hoarseness

Itchy eyes

Light-headedness

Low blood pressure

Mood swings

Numbness

Sinus pain

Swallowing problems

Sweating

Swollen throat

Wheezing

In severe cases, anaphylaxis.