Shellfish allergy

When it comes to allergies to food, shellfish allergy is one of the most common. There are two types of shellfish: crustaceans (e.g. shrimp, crab, and lobster) and molluscs (e.g. clams, mussels, oysters, and scallops). People who are allergic to a certain type of shellfish often react to other types, so it is best to avoid all types of shellfish. Shellfish allergy can often cause severe reactions, with some people reacting to the vapours from cooking shellfish. This reaction can be life-threatening, therefore people who suffer from a shellfish allergy must take great care to avoid consuming shellfish.

According to the food standards agency UK "Pre-packed food sold in the UK, and the rest of the European Union, must show clearly on the label if it contains crustaceans (these include lobster, crab, prawns and langoustines) or molluscs (including mussels, scallops, oysters, snails, whelks and squid)". In the US, the federal Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA) requires that any packaged food product that contains shellfish as an ingredient must list the name of the specific shellfish on the label.

Do not confuse with Fish allergy.

You can find information on diagnosis of food allergies and intolerances here.

DELICARDO Foodcards:

We highly recommend the use of DELICARDO Foodcards for shellfish allergy sufferers. When eating dishes prepared by someone else it is important that allergies and intolerances are clearly communicated to the cook and service personnel. During restaurant visits it is best to avoid all types of seafood to avoid possible cross-contamination.

Standard DELICARDO Foodcards can be found here

To create a personalised DELICARDO Foodcard click here 

Futher Infomation: 

FAAN
http://www.foodallergy.org/page/shellfish-allergy

FAI
http://www.faiusa.org/?page=shellfish

Food Standards Agency
http://www.eatwell.gov.uk/healthissues/foodintolerance/foodintolerancetypes/shellfishallergy/

Allergy UK
http://www.allergyuk.org/fs_seafood.aspx

About.com
http://foodallergies.about.com/od/seafoodallergies/p/shellfish.htm