Fish Allergen | The UK 14 Main Allergens

Fish is one of the 14 main allergens. While many allergies are most common in infancy or before reaching the age of 5, fish allergy commonly manifests in adulthood. Today we are shining a spotlight on fish allergies and the details you should look out for in allergen ingredient information.

An allergy to a particular type of fish does not rule out the consumption of all fish, however. Having an allergy to tinned fish such as tuna and salmon does not necessarily mean you will have an allergy to crustaceans such as shrimp, crab, and lobster. Some allergists, which specialise in diagnosing and treating allergic conditions, might tell you to stay away from all types of fish; it is recommended to speak to an allergist before trying out other types of fish.

Fish Allergy Triggers

Research from the National Library of Medicine states that there are a number of potential allergen triggers in fish. One of the most common is a protein called parvalbumin. Parvalbumin levels in carp are up to 100-times higher than in mackerel or tuna, which is one explanation why people with fish allergies can tolerate certain species.

Recent studies have highlighted two other proteins, vitellogenin (a fish folk protein) and tropomyosin (a filamentous muscle protein), have also been documented as causing allergic reactions, as well as fish roe.

Both raw fish and cooked fish can cause allergic reactions. The parvalbumin protein can survive heat, which means you can have a fish allergy reaction whether the fish is raw, boiled, roasted, fried, or grilled.

Other fish proteins allergens include:

Enolases;
Aldolases;
Fish gelatin.

While other allergies might subside or have fewer effects as you grow older, studies show that fish allergies can last for a lifetime.

Food people Should Avoid if They Have a Fish Allergy

As mentioned earlier it’s common to be allergic to finned fish, so it’s important to avoid species such as:

Anchovy
Bass
Catfish
Cod
Flounder
Grouper
Haddock
Hake

Fish can also appear in unexpected sources, particularly in sauces such as barbeque sauce, worcestershire sauce, and caesar salad dressing. If you’re unsure what’s in your food, it’s important to check the ingredient labels or ask staff if ordering at a restaurant.

Fish Allergy Symptoms

Fish allergy symptoms vary significantly; they could be mild or even have a life-threatening effect. They include:

Tingling or itching in the mouth
Rashes and itchiness
Sneezing
Swelling
Difficulty or inability to swallow
Difficulty breathing and shortness of breath
Stomach pain and/or diarrhoea
Nausea and/or vomiting
Anaphylaxis, which can be fatal (symptoms include: difficulty breathing or speaking, dizziness, or a swelling tongue)

Anaphylaxis is a less common symptom; however, it is more severe, and may require epinephrine and medical care. Anaphylaxis may start with mild symptoms before steadily worsening, and if suffering from an anaphylactic attack then an ambulance should immediately be contacted.

Those that have a fish allergy, or care for someone with a fish allergy, must carefully read all food items labels before consumption.

How Frequently Can Food Allergen Information Change?

As of 2022, in the UK there are 14 main food allergies that must be declared, and allergy information updates will depend largely on the Food Standards Agency (FSA). The FSA set up the Food Allergy and Intolerance Research Programme to research food allergies and provide the public and food businesses with the most recent information on allergens. Potential allergen changes are on the horizon with proposals from the Owen’s Law campaign being discussed by the FSA.

If you have a fish allergy, the best way to stay ahead of the curve is to keep up to date with the FSA’s allergy alert. You will get information on allergy errors and product recalls that could endanger consumers, and receive up-to-date allergy information.

What Should Your Allergen Ingredient Information Include?

Food Businesses are legally required to display the 14 main allergens on food labels and menus so that consumers can clearly identify the allergens they avoid. This is due to legislation such as Natasha’s Law and the Food Information Regulations 2014.

Food products and dishes come in different forms; typically categorised as prepacked for direct sale (PPDS food) or non-prepacked. While presentation of allergen information may vary, both forms of food must clearly communicate allergens. Information about contained allergens must be clearly communicated. Consumers should be aware of the allergen information of their food before consumption.

Here are details that should be included in an allergen ingredient information for food manufacturers/food producers:

Allergen information must be included in bold, highlighted, or in contrasting colours.
Allergen information should be referenced to the allergy. For fish allergy, a clear reference will look like this, Nam Pla (FISH) or Surimi (FISH)
Allergen advice information should be clearly displayed. For example, allergen advice could say “ Contains soya, see ingredients in bold”

You should look out for fish allergy information on the containers for prepacked food. Ensure the ingredients are clearly stated. While non-prepacked food is important, the recipes or dishes are clearly explained.

For non-prepacked food, the allergen information can be provided at two stages. The first stage is before a purchase is made, and this can be done on the website through written menus or orally before an order is placed.

The second stage is at the point of delivery. The FSA requires food businesses to place written menus or provide an oral description of the menu through the phone.

LiberEat - Allergen Error Detection Software

Food allergen rules and regulations continue to change and evolve. Food businesses in production, hospitality, catering, and retail must be vigilant when working with ingredients, products, and dishes containing allergens and exercise due diligence when providing ingredient and allergen information to consumers. Successful allergen management is a big part of Food Safety professionals creating a culture of care and excellence within their teams.

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LiberEat works closely with food businesses to ensure consumers are safe and healthy when consuming your produce.