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What Are Shellfish Found In?

There are three different shellfish groups:

• Crustaceans - including crabs, prawns and lobsters
• Molluscs – such as mussels, sea snails, clams and squid
• Echinoderms – for example sea urchins, sea stars and sea slugs. Most echinoderms aren’t edible

Molluscs are divided into three subgroups called bivalves, gastropods and cephalopods. If you’re allergic to a member of one group, then it’s wise to avoid anything from the other groups. You may be able to eat crustaceans (although most people allergic to molluscs choose not to), but should only consider doing this after discussing it with your doctor. There is a great risk of cross contamination so always be alert and very careful.

If you react to crustaceans, say prawns, then there’s a chance you will also react to molluscs. Again, you should only consider eating molluscs after discussing the implications with your doctor.

Just because you have a shellfish allergy doesn’t mean you can’t eat fin fish. However, if you’re allergic to one, it’s advised you be tested for the other. They are from different biological groups, so unless you are unfortunate to be allergic to both, eating fish should be fine.

Be careful of cross contamination when you are eating or buying fin fish. For this very reason, avoiding fish markets and supermarket fish counters is a good idea if you have a shellfish allergy, and also because particles in the air could trigger a reaction if you’re very sensitive.

If you’re eating out and your companions choose shellfish, make sure you’re extra vigilant. Don’t have close contact with anyone who has just eaten shellfish and keep an eye on your glass so they don’t drink from it by accident.

Labelling

Since November 2005, food labelling laws ensure all pre-packed food sold in the UK and European Union (EU) clearly shows if it contains crustaceans or molluscs. However EU legislation doesn’t include echinoderms, so you must read labels carefully. 

Be careful because there may be food still on the shelves that was produced before November 2005. You also need to be wary of anything that has been imported from outside the UK and EU.

Commonly Listed Names And Their Classifications

• Crustaceans – crab, lobster, shrimp, prawn, crayfish
• Bivalve Molluscs – mussel, oyster, scallop, clam
• Gastropod Molluscs – snails, abalone, conch
• Cephalopod Molluscs – squid, cuttlefish, octopus

More Unusual Names And Their Classifications

• Crustaceans – krill
• Bivalve Molluscs – carpet shell, cockle, paddock, razor clams, quahog clams
• Gastropod Molluscs – Asian sea slugs, limpet, cowrie, whelk
• Echinoderms – sea urchin, sea cucumber (normally only eaten in parts of Asia)