Protein contact dermatitis in food workers. Case report of a meat sorter and summary of seven other cases.

Protein contact dermatitis (PCD) in food handlers is caused by a type I allergy to foods. We report a 17-year-old meat sorter who presented with hand dermatitis. Patch tests with the standard series were negative. Prick testing was positive with lamb liver, ox liver and a mixture of lamb and beef blood. We also summarize seven cases of other food workers with PCD.