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Real members of MyFoodAllergyTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.
A MyFoodAllergyTeam Member asked a question 💭
Brunswick, GA

If you’re allergic to shellfish are you automatically allergic to mollusks? I can eat seaweed no problem. Sea salt I use for exfoliation purposes. What category is Calamari?

July 16 (edited)
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MyFoodAllergyTeam

Not necessarily! Having a shellfish allergy doesn't automatically mean being allergic to all types of shellfish, including mollusks.

Shellfish fall into two main groups:

- Crustaceans – shrimp, lobster, prawns, and crabs
- Mollusks – snails, oysters, scallops, mussels, squid, octopus, and clams

It's actually more common Show Full Answer

Not necessarily! Having a shellfish allergy doesn't automatically mean being allergic to all types of shellfish, including mollusks.

Shellfish fall into two main groups:

- Crustaceans – shrimp, lobster, prawns, and crabs
- Mollusks – snails, oysters, scallops, mussels, squid, octopus, and clams

It's actually more common to be allergic to crustaceans than mollusks. Some people allergic to crustaceans can eat mollusks without a reaction, and vice versa. That said, if there's been any allergic reaction to one type of shellfish, it's really important not to test other shellfish on your own. Any reintroduction should only be done under medical supervision, where emergency treatment is available if needed.

As one MyFoodAllergyTeam member shared, "I can eat fish, but if I eat crab, my entire face swells up" — a good reminder that reactions can be very specific to certain foods.

July 16

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