Living with a fish or shellfish allergy

Fish allergy

If you have a fish allergy, strictly avoiding fish and food containing fish products is the only way to prevent a reaction. If your doctor is able to identify exactly which type of fish causes your allergies, then you need only eliminate that species of fish from your diet. However for the majority of fish allergy sufferers, this is not an option and all fish must be avoided. 

Examples of foods containing fish include: 

• Worcestershire sauce 
• Caesar salad 
• Caviar 
• Roe (fish eggs) 
• Imitation seafood, often used in sushi 

It is wise to avoid seafood restaurants if you have a fish allergy. Even if you order a non-fish meal, your food may become contaminated with fish proteins from a cooking utensil, cooking oil or a grill exposed to fish.

Shellfish allergy

If you suffer from a shellfish allergy, the only way to prevent a reaction is to avoid all shellfish and food containing shellfish. If your doctor is able to identify exactly which type of shellfish causes your allergies, then you need only eliminate that variety from your diet. For the majority of shellfish allergy sufferers, however, this is not an option and all shellfish must be avoided.

Examples of shellfish include:

• Abalone
• Clams
• Crab
• Crayfish
• Lobster
• Oysters
• Scallops
• Prawns
• Cockles
• Sea-urchin
• Mussels

Be careful with fried foods. Some restaurants use the same oil to fry prawns, chicken and French fries. Also, bear in mind that imitation shellfish may be dangerous as many manufacturers add real shellfish for flavouring. Before you use it, read the label to be sure.