canned fish

Fish and shellfish allergy

Seafood allergy is more common in adults than children and usually remains a lifelong problem. People with seafood allergy are usually allergic to either fish or shellfish, rather than both.

 

Allergy action plan

Allergy action plans are recommended to advise staff what to do if a known allergen is ingested. The action plan should be developed with the child’s family and treating team (doctor, allergist, paediatrician) and be approved and signed by a recognised health professional involved in their care.

On enrolment, centres should request written documentation of confirmed allergies from the child’s treating team. Parents should document exactly what their child can and cannot tolerate to avoid confusion and this should be written on the allergy action plan.

Specialised anaphylaxis action plans are essential for children with anaphylactic reactions.

For information about developing an allergy action plan refer to Allergy policy and allergy action plans or the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA)* website www.allergy.org.au.

 

Fish allergy

Avoiding fish

Fish allergy can be an allergic reaction to any one or more of the following:

Fish that commonly cause an allergic response

Salmon

Barramundi

Pilchards

Cod

Bream

Shark

Haddock

Mackerel

Flake

Snapper

Sardines

Flathead

Sole

Perch

Herring

Flounder

Whiting

Anchovies

Garfish

Whitebait

 

Tuna

Hake

John Dory

Trout

Orange roughy

Pike

 

People who are allergic to one type of fish are often allergic to other types of fish, but are often not allergic to other types of seafood. 
 

Label reading

Check the labels of the following foods, as they may contain fish:

Ingredients that indicate the presence of fish

Antipasto

Dips

Soups

Oyster sauce

Fish sauce

Fish stock

Marinara sauce

Fish gelatin

Canned spreads (fish paste)

Caesar salad (anchovies)

Salad dressings (anchovies)

Caesar salad dressing

Pescatore sauce

Sushi

Surimi

Greek dishes

Bouillabaisse

Worchester sauce

Products fortified with omega 3

Anything from a fish and chip shop (cooked in oil used to cook fish)

 

Shellfish allergy

Avoiding shellfish

Shellfish allergy can be an allergic reaction to any one or more of the following:

Shellfish that commonly cause an allergic response

Prawns

Crayfish

Mussels

Yabbies

Scampi

Cockle

Shrimp

Abalone

Octopus

Sea snail

Sea slugs

Marron

Lobster

Clams

Cuttlefish

Scallops

Abalone

Molluscs

Crab

Oysters

Squid

Calamari

Barnacles

Balmain bugs

Garden slugs and snails

Morton bay bugs

People allergic to shellfish should avoid all seafood in this group but not necessarily fish.
 

Label reading

Check the labels of the following foods, as they may contain shellfish:

Ingredients that indicate the presence of shellfish

Bouillabaisse

Prawn crackers

Fish stock

Seafood extender

Squid ink

Scampi fries

Cuttlefish ink

Oyster sauce

Fish sauce

Marinara sauce

Pescatore sauce

Pet or fish food

Asian soups and dishes

Seafood/marinara pizza

Seafood flavouring

* The ASCIA website includes personal action plans for allergic reactions and for anaphylaxis. These are medical documents that can only be completed and signed by the patient’s treating medical doctor and cannot be altered without their permission.

References:
Dietary Avoidance – Fish Allergy, Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, 2013, http://www.allergy.org.au/patients/food-allergy/ascia-dietary-avoidance-for-food-allergy/fish.
Dietary Avoidance – Shellfish Allergy, Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, 2013, http://www.allergy.org.au/patients/food-allergy/ascia-dietary-avoidance-...
 

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