Fish Allergy

A fish allergy is one of the most aggressive allergies. The smallest amounts of fish proteins can induce violent reactions in sensitive people, in the worst case it can lead to an allergic shock which requires medical attention.[1]

Each species of fish has its own characteristic proteins. Therefore, a fish allergy can be limited to the protein of only one species of fish. However, the likelihood of cross-reactivity of an allergy suffer to various species of fish is likely and it is advised that fish-allergic subjects avoid all fish species unless a species is proven to be safe to eat through diagnostic tests.[2]

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

Do not confuse fish allergy with Shellfish Allergy.

DELICARDO Foodcards:

We highly recommend the use of DELICARDO Foodcards for fish 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 hereTo create a personalised DELICARDO Foodcard click here

Helpful links and resources:

Food Allergy Initative
http://www.faiusa.org/?page=fish

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

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

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

AllergyUK
http://www.allergyuk.org/fs_seafood.aspx

[1] Fehrmann: Allergien vom Tisch
[2] Helbling A et al. Fish allergy: is cross-reactivity among fish species relevant? Double-blind placebo-controlled food challenge studies of fish allergic adults. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 1999; 83:517.