Shrimp, Crab and Shellfish: Why Seafood Allergy Is Not All the Same
The allergenic proteins in crustaceans and molluscs are not the same, so whether you can eat them needs to be judged separately.
A few common categories
- Crustaceans: shrimp, crab, lobster, crayfish
- Molluscs: shellfish, clams, scallops, oysters, squid, octopus
- Fish: cod, salmon, tuna and others, which are a different source of allergens from crustaceans
Why they need to be looked at separately
The allergenic proteins in different categories have different structures. Being allergic to shrimp does not necessarily mean you are allergic to fish, and being allergic to fish does not necessarily mean you react to shellfish. Whether you can eat a certain category needs to be based on past reactions and a doctor's assessment. You cannot judge by "avoid everything in the same group" or "it was fine before".
Everyday reminders
When buying food, pay attention to mixed seafood products, seafood-flavoured seasonings and soup bases. When eating out, state exactly what you need to avoid, and ask about shared pots, chopping boards and frying oil to reduce cross-contact.
This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Please follow your doctor's instructions.
This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. If your symptoms affect daily life, please see a doctor.