Listed as one of the Top 8 food allergens, a fish allergy is one to be educated on. Fish allergies are not the same, nor even in the same family as a shellfish allergy. A fish allergy comprises what are called "finned fish", i.e. salmon, tuna, flounder, etc. This is one food allergy that usually becomes apparent in adulthood (this could be because babies and children are less liking to be consuming fish in their everyday diet). The onset is usually seen later in life which makes it even more important for you to be aware of. 40% of people have reported that their first reaction occurred in adulthood.
A fish allergy can be triggered at any time, even if you've been eating fish for years. It can happen with one type of fish, for example, the salmon you're having for dinner, but you may have just eaten tuna for lunch and had been fine. However, the case is usually that if you're allergic to one type of fish, you will have the reaction to another, and thus is advised that you avoid all fish to keep yourself safe. The symptoms of an allergic reaction are the same as any food allergy: hives, rash, trouble breathing, coughing, nausea, cramping, coughing, runny nose, and of course full anaphylaxis which require immediate use of an Epi-Pen and medical care.
There are 20,000+ varieties of finned fish, so of course, the ones listed above are the common ones you'll most likely come across. As for the "may contain group", some are obvious (i.e. fish stock), but others like alcohol may have surprised you (it surprised me!). Reading labels and contacting brands and companies is a must in this situation. Although some may be rare, you can't risk it with a food allergy. On that note, when eating out, make sure you food is cooked separately from any fish or appliances/prep areas where fish is involved (i.e. grills are a big one!).
Lucky for you, there are great vegan versions of some favorites like Caesar dressings, Worcestershire sauce, and bbq sauce. These will not contain fish and can be used safely! If you're really craving fish, Sophie's Kitchen and Gardein make mock fish products. Although, I recommend you skip the fake and opt for "chickpea salad" instead of tuna 😉
So tell me:
+ Do you or a loved one have a fish allergy? Share you tips and stories below!
Other “What To Avoid” food allergy posts: Soy, Egg, Dairy, Corn, Tree Nut, Peanut, Shellfish, Wheat, Celiac Disease (Gluten).
Sources:
+ http://www.foodallergy.org/allergens/fish-allergy
+ http://acaai.org/allergies/types/food-allergies/types-food-allergy/fish-allergy
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Deborah Davis
My husband developed a sensitivity for seafood recently and now carries an EPI pen. Thank you so much for sharing this valuable information regarding how to avoid fish allergies.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Sounds like my momma!
Beverly
Great post. Didn't know about all the various types of fish allergies.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It can be any and all!
Patrick Weseman
Very True. I have both Seafood and Shellfish allergy. I am at the point where the smell starts to bother me. Also, i don't eat in a lot of Asian restaurants because I can't be sure of what they cook with.
Thanks for sharing.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Yes, eating out is always tricky!
Lora Cotton
OMG!!! My husband has a fish allergy and while I knew a good number of these items MANY were shocking to me... gelatin, alcohol, Worcestershire, BBQ sauce, etc! My husband eats gelatin, Worcestershire and BBQ sauce regularly and has never had any problems (that we've been aware of.). I will be more vigilant in my purchasing choices from now on. Also more aware for those rare occasions we get to dine out. Thank you for posting!!! Yes, he did discover this in adulthood.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Obviously, not every brand will have a fish allergen in their product. That's why those are under "caution". As with any allergy you must read every label, it does not matter what it is.
Farrah
So glad that there are so many alternative recipes now! Great information! <3
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Truth!
Marla
HI Rebecca,
Thanks for providing this valuable information on fish allergies and how to avoid them. Pinned & tweeted!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I'm glad I can.
Harriet Emily
Wow, thank you so much for sharing all of this information Rebecca! It's so helpful. I had no idea there were so many foods with fish products in - I hadn't thought of alcohol before!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
The alcohol was a bit shocking :O
Kristy @ Southern In Law
I always love these posts of yours as I feel like they're the perfect resource for friends/family members of anyone with a specific allergy!
I just put together a coeliac what not to do for our church as another lady at church has just found out she's a coeliac and has just had a baby so whilst everyone wanted to make meals for her, they had to be really careful with what they made!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Yup, that's why I'm covering all the allergens!
Nadia
This was a very interesting read and very informative! Thank you for sharing your knowledge. Are you allergic to fish?
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Nope! My mom is the one with a shellfish allergy though and she still stays far away from fish of any kind.
Jenn
Interesting. My dad has a shellfish allergy, so I'm very familiar with that, but I've never known anyone with a fish allergy.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, well it's a Top 8, so very common!