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Food allergy and food intolerance – CCEAAllergy to fish

A food allergy is when the body's immune system reacts unusually to specific foods. Food intolerance is more common than food allergy and is not caused by the immune system.

Part of Home Economics: Food and Nutrition (CCEA)Shopping, storage and preparation

Allergy to fish

A chef filleting fish

Salmon, tuna and halibut are the most common kinds of finned fish to which people are allergic.

More than half of all people who are allergic to one type of fish are also allergic to other fish.

People who are allergic to fish are often advised by their doctor to avoid all fish.

Unexpected sources

Foods containing fish are not always easy to spot. Some unexpected sources of fish are:

  • Ceasar salad or caesar dressing
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Imitation or artificial fish or shellfish – eg surimi (also known as 'sea legs' or 'sea sticks')
  • Meatloaf
  • Barbecue sauce

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