Seafood can be a hidden ingredient in many foods, which is why it’s important to read the label or ask before buying or eating certain foods. Ingredients in packaged foods can change at any time without warning. It is also important to avoid seafood restaurants, going to the fish market, and being in an area where the seafood is being cooked.

Symptoms of a seafood allergy may include:

• Mild wheezing or coughing;
• Itching in the mouth;
• Vomiting;
• Intense Itching;
• Skin rash (eczema);
• Swelling of the face;
• Pale/flushed appearance;
• Anaphylaxis symptoms;
• Digestive Symptoms (e.g. stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea).

Shellfish Allergy

Shellfish fall into two different groups: crustaceans and mollusks. Some people with shellfish allergies are allergic to both types, but some may only be allergic to one.

Crustaceans include:

• Shrimp;
• Crab;
• Crayfish;
• Lobster;
• Prawn.
• Mollusks include: 
• Clams;
• Mussels;
• Oyster;
• Squid;
• Cuttlefish;
• Octopus;
• Snails;
• Scallops.

Reactions to crustaceans tend to be particularly severe. Crustaceans cause the greatest number of allergic reactions. Many shellfish-allergic people can tolerate mollusks.