Eating Out with a Shellfish Allergy: What to Say When Ordering and How to Prevent Cross-Contact

Be specific when you communicate

• Say "I am allergic to shellfish such as shrimp and crab", not just "I don't eat seafood"
• Ask whether oyster sauce, fish sauce, shrimp paste or seafood-flavoured seasonings are used
• Check whether the wok, deep fryer, chopping board and steamer are shared with seafood
• Avoid buffet tables and bulk self-serve areas to reduce mistaken picks and cross-contact

Arrangements that lower risk

Call ahead to explain the situation, and choose dishes with simple preparation; avoid peak dining hours so the kitchen can help more easily; make sure the people you are with know where the emergency plan is and what steps to take; bring your own backup snack so you do not go hungry if you cannot eat. For takeaway, it is also a good idea to write clear notes, and check that the packaging is intact during delivery.

When symptoms appear

Stop eating at once and watch your breathing. If you have throat tightness, difficulty breathing, hives all over the body, repeated vomiting or a change in alertness, call 120 (the emergency number in China) right away and follow your emergency plan. Symptoms can also appear delayed after a meal, so it helps to record what you ate and when, for later discussion with your doctor.

This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Please follow your doctor's instructions.