AllergyExpert.US

The AllergyExpert.US does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.  Read more on disclaimer and terms of use.

Sometimes, reactions to fish are not allergic.    Scombroid fish poisoning, which often appears similar to an allergic
reaction, is a type of food poisoning due to the ingestion of histamine on poorly preserved fish.    One should seek an
evaluation by a board certified allergist if the cause of the reaction is not certain.

It is best for individuals allergic to fish (and shellfish) to avoid seafood restaurants.    Although they often serve non-fish
dishes, the food may be contaminated by fish particles from cooking equipment or splatter.

Fish avoidance

Avoid foods that contain:

  • Anchovies
  • Bass
  • Bream
  • Carp
  • Caviar
  • Cod
  • Eel
  • Fish oil supplements
  • Flounder
  • Halibut
  • Herring
  • Imitation crab meat
  • Mackerel
  • Mahi-Mahi
  • Monkfish
  • Perch
  • Plaice
  • Roe (fish eggs)
  • Salmon
  • Sardine
  • Shark
  • Snapper
  • Surimi (imitation crab meat)
  • Swordfish
  • Tilapia
  • Trout
  • Tuna
  • Turbot

These foods may contain fish:

  • Caesar salad dressing
  • Caponata
  • Worcestershire sauce

Fish allergic individuals should avoid taking Omega-3 fatty acids that come from fish oil.    Instead, take Omega-3 fatty
acids from walnuts, flax seeds, and flax seed oil.

Carrageenan, often used as a stabilizer or thickener in food, is a red algae and does not need to be avoided by fish
allergic individuals.


Make sure to check out the
coping with food allergies page  for school and traveling tips,  and useful links including
sites that sell allergy safe foods, medic alert bracelets.  There's even a link to a website that will translate food allergy
words in just about any language you can imagine!
Fish Allergy

Symptoms of food allergies

Diagnosis of food allergies

Treatment of allergic reactions

Coping with food allergies

Prevention of food allergies

Food allergies and vaccines


Common Food Allergies

Cow's milk allergy

Egg allergy

Fish allergy

Peanut allergy

Sesame seed allergy

Shellfish allergy

Soy allergy

Tree nut allergy

Wheat allergy


Other Food Related Disorders

Atopic Dermatitis (eczema)

Eosinophilic Esophagitis and
Gastroenteritis


Non Allergic Food Reactions

Food Intolerance: the Basics

Lactose Intolerance

Sulfite Intolerance

Scombroid Poisoning
Click here for printer friendly
version of this page