Is it ok for shellfish allergy sufferers to eat barnacles?
Quick Answer
No
Barnacles are classified as crustaceans, a type of shellfish. Therefore, people with shellfish allergies should avoid eating barnacles to prevent allergic reactions.
What Is It?
Barnacles are small marine creatures that are considered crustaceans. They are usually found attached to rocks, boats, and even other animals in the sea.
Why It Can Be Risky
Eating barnacles when you have a shellfish allergy can lead to serious health risks.
- Allergic reactions can range from mild symptoms such as hives, itching, and swelling, to severe reactions like difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness, and even anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening reaction.
- Repeated exposure to allergens can worsen the allergic reaction over time.
Safe Alternatives
For those with shellfish allergies, alternatives to barnacles can include other types of seafood that are not classified as shellfish, such as fish. Plant-based alternatives like seaweed and algae can also be good options.