Fish allergy: where it hides in an ingredients list
Fish protein enters products through sauces and additives, and it is most often identified not by the name, but by a small line in the ingredients list.
Names it appears under
- fish sauce
- anchovies
- surimi
- fish oil
- fish gelatin
- omega-3 from fish
- Worcestershire sauce
Where you expect it
- fish
- caviar
- canned fish
- sushi and rolls
- fish cakes
Where you do not
- Worcestershire sauce and anything containing it
- Caesar dressing
- Thai and Vietnamese dishes
- imitation crab (surimi)
- vitamin supplements
- some clarified beverages
Frequently asked questions
- Is imitation crab fish?
- Yes, it is usually surimi—minced fish protein. It typically contains no crab at all.
- Is fish gelatin different from pork gelatin?
- They differ in origin, and fish gelatin is significant if you have a fish allergy. It must be declared in the ingredients.
Check the package rather than remember the list. Photograph the barcode and the app reads the ingredients and flags what you marked.
Other allergens: Milk · Egg · Peanut · Tree nuts · Crustaceans · Mollusks · Soy · Gluten · all fourteen
This reference is for information only and does not replace advice from your doctor.