Saturday, January 2, 2016

Oral Allergy Syndrome


I will be adding to this post. 

IMPORTANT information to know! DON'T be fooled by false/misleading marketing claims! 

What’s the buzz all about?", 2016, color and bolding added by me
"Whether or not a pigment is organic or inorganic will not guarantee ... results ... or how well the procedure will turn out."
and
"We are a non-profit association"

TRUE! It's best to do reputable research ahead of a planned tattoo, and ask questions before you wind up with a problem! 

"Oral Allergy Syndrome" - Food - Canadian Food Inspection Agency ", 2012 
"Oral allergy syndrome is an allergic reaction to certain proteins in fruit, vegetables and nuts. This condition is called "oral allergy syndrome" because it usually affects the mouth and throat." 

That also means you need to be careful about dyes that could set off life threatening allergies, know if you are at risk, whether it involves tattoos, or any other cosmetics colorants! Who best to consult with about your risk factors? Your allergist/immunologist because ...! 

"New risks from ancient food dyes: cochineal red allergy", 2014, full text, color and bolding added by me
http://www.eurannallergyimm.com/cont/journals-articles/341/volume-risks-from-ancient-food-dyes-907allasp1.pdf

"Although the risk of anaphylactic reactions is well known, since the nineties the use of this additive seems to be nowadays on the rise. ...This case confirms the actual risk of allergic reactions induced by Carmine red present not only in food, but also in dietary supplements and OTC drugs. Its increased use may expose the population to a relevant risk of IgE sensitization. The possible occurrence of symptoms some hours after the ingestion of the dye is reported in the literature, and may result in undiagnosed cases labelled as “idiopathic anaphylaxis”. The natural Cochineal red, classified in Europe as E120, must be distinguished from the synthetic form, the Cochineal Red A also named Ponceau 4R (E124), belonging to the azo-dyes. It is known as histamine-liberator, but not as IgE sensitizing agent. We believe that accurate, more specific and strict regulation on labelling (both at an international and national level) is crucial in safeguarding health. ... recently the FDA ruled that food, drugs and cosmetic products containing coloured additives like cochineal extracts and carminic acid must be clearly labelled. In Europe, the regulation on food labelling includes additives and dyes ... The system appears to be efficient at level of industrial products, while handmade foods are more at risk of undeclared manipulation."

Regarding the last sentence above - I have no doubt that would also apply to handmade, and crafted natural cosmetics regarding other natural dyes! It is about whether the manufacturers/marketers of these types of foods and cosmetics, who are liable are safety protocols, and otherwise - government regulations - compliant!

""Organic" Cosmetics", 2015, color and bolding added by me @US_FDA
http://www.fda.gov/Cosmetics/Labeling/Claims/ucm203078.htm
"An ingredient’s source does not determine its safety. ... many plants, whether or not they are organically grown, contain substances that may be toxic or allergenic."

"Tattoos & Permanent Makeup: Fact Sheet" FDA, 2015, color and bolding added by me, @US_FDA

"FDA traditionally has not exercised regulatory authority for color additives on the pigments used in tattoo inks. The actual practice of tattooing is regulated by local jurisdictions. During 2003 and 2004, FDA became aware of more than 150 reports of adverse reactions in consumers to certain permanent makeup ink shades ... The inks associated with this outbreak were voluntarily recalled by the company that marketed them in 2004. ... 2012, we received reports of infections from contaminated inks, resulting in their recall and market withdrawal. In addition, concerns raised by the scientific community regarding the pigments used in tattoo inks have prompted FDA to investigate their safe use. FDA continues to evaluate the extent and severity of adverse events associated with tattooing and is conducting research on tattoo inks. As new information is assessed, we will consider whether additional actions are necessary to protect public health."

"Color Additives and Cosmetics", FDA, 2016, color and some bolding added by me, @US_FDA

"Colors exempt from certification. These color additives are obtained primarily from mineral, plant, or animal sources. They are not subject to batch certification requirements. However, they still are considered artificial colors, and when used in cosmetics or other FDA-regulated products, they must comply with the identity, specifications, uses, restrictions, and labeling requirements stated in the regulations

"FDA Authority Over Cosmetics", 2016, color and bolding by me, @US_FDA
"Companies and individuals who manufacture or market cosmetics have a legal responsibility to ensure the safety of their products. ... FDA is not authorized to order recalls of cosmetics, but we do monitor companies that conduct a product recall and may request a product recall if the firm is not willing to remove dangerous products from the market without FDA's written request. FDA may take regulatory action if we have reliable information indicating that a cosmetic is adulterated or misbranded. ... FDA can pursue action through the Department of Justice in the federal court system to remove adulterated and misbranded cosmetics from the market. To prevent further shipment of an adulterated or misbranded product, FDA may request a federal district court to issue a restraining order against the manufacturer or distributor of the violative cosmetic. Cosmetics that are not in compliance with the law may be subject to seizure. ... FDA can and does inspect cosmetic manufacturing facilities to assure cosmetic product safety and determine whether cosmetics are adulterated or misbranded"

E.g. of seizure
"FDA requested the seizure ... because the products claim to treat or cure diseases but have not received FDA approval, and are not exempt from such approval requirements. Moreover ... the seized products contain ingredients that could cause toxic or allergic reactions in consumers sensitive to these ingredients. ... Chickweed Healing Salve contains comfrey, which may increase the risk of systemic toxicity"