Confectionery and candymakers

Abstract

Confectionery and candymakers may suffer from immediate or delayed hypersensitivity reactions as well as irritant reactions. Flavorings are the commonest cause of allergic contact dermatitis. A hidden source of occupational contact dermatitis is natural rubber latex which can be present in chocolate bar wrappers. Intervention with skin-care advice on the use of appropriate hand-care regimen has been clearly shown to decrease the incidence of occupational contact dermatitis among confectioners. The increased automation in the confectionery industry has led to an overall decrease in the number of occupational contact dermatitis.