Fish is one of the top nine allergens in the United States and is required to be identified on nutrition labels, with the specific type of fish contained in the product. The label “fish” includes finfish such as:
- tuna
- salmon
- cod
- haddock
- perch
- tilapia
- halibut
Finfish allergy is completely different from shellfish allergy, which includes shrimp, lobster, and prawns, for example. Fish allergy is most common among adults, with an estimated 40% of people reporting their first allergic reaction to finfish as adults.
Nutrition Information
When replacing a food allergen, focus on incorporating a variety of whole foods in your diet that contain the nutrients you’re missing due to eliminating the problem food.
- Nutrients in fish vary among species. In general, fish is an important source of protein, niacin, vitamin B12, phosphorus, selenium, and omega 3 fatty acids. If eliminating fish from your diet, use a variety of these foods as alternatives:
- Protein: meat, poultry, dairy products, eggs, beans, legumes, tree nuts, seeds
- Niacin: chicken, pork, beef, lamb, turkey, soy products, seeds, peanuts, beans, legumes, eggs, dairy products, whole grains
- Vitamin B12: dairy products, eggs, beef, lamb, pork, chicken, turkey, as well as fortified breakfast cereals, nutritional yeast, and beverages
- Phosphorus: turkey, seeds, nuts, whole grains, beans, legumes, dairy products
- Selenium: Brazil nuts, pork, beef, turkey, eggs, lamb, chicken, wheat, sunflower seeds, barley
- Omega 3 fatty acids: flaxseeds, walnuts, soybean oil, canola oil, algal oil, soy products, eggs fortified with DHA
Reading Labels
Fish is commonly found in bouillabaisse, Caesar dressing, ceviche, egg rolls, fish oil supplements, fish sauce, fish sticks, fish stock, anchovies isinglass, seafood dips, sushi or sashimi, tempura, tuna salad, and Worcestershire sauce. This list is not all inclusive.
Alternatives and Suggested Products
- Gardein, fishless filets
- Loma Linda Tuno, plant based seafood alternative
- Good Catch, fish-free Tuna
- Quorn Vegan Fishless Sticks
- Tofuna Fysh Sauce
NOTE: Always double check the allergy statement on any products you purchase. Food manufacturers may change their ingredients at any time.
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