UK allergen
Crustacean allergy eating out in the UK
Prawns, crab, lobster, crayfish and langoustine are crustaceans, one of the 14 allergens. Molluscs, such as mussels, oysters and squid, are a separate allergen. Saying “no shellfish” can be read as only one of those lists.
Name prawns, crab and lobster
Crustaceans in UK allergen law include prawns, crab, lobster, crayfish and langoustine. Shrimp paste, prawn crackers and a seafood stock can carry them when the main item is noodles or rice. A garnish of dried shrimp is small and easy for a kitchen to forget unless you have asked.
Molluscs are a different allergen. A cook who has carefully left off the prawns may still use oyster sauce or mussel stock. If you avoid both groups, say both. If you avoid only crustaceans, say so, so the kitchen does not guess.
Shared pans and mixed platters
Paella, mixed grills and seafood platters are built for cross-contact. Even a chicken dish from a pan that just held prawns can be a problem if your allergy is severe. Ask for a clean pan if that is what you need, and ask what the stock contains.
Seafood sticks are often made from fish and may include crustacean flavouring or extracts. Products differ. Ask to see a label rather than assuming the stick is only one species.
How the 14 apply
Crustaceans have to be declared when they are ingredients. Natasha’s Law puts that declaration on the pack for food packed on site before sale, with the allergen emphasised. A stir-fry cooked to order needs the cook’s answer about paste, sauce and the wok.
“Shellfish” is not one of the legal category names. Use crustacean, or the animals you mean, on your profile and on a chef card. SafePlate will not score crustaceans at a restaurant until a menu or a note mentions them.
What to ask about crustaceans
- Is there prawn, shrimp paste, crab or lobster in the dish, the sauce or the stock?
- Is oyster sauce or another mollusc also in the recipe, if you need that kept out too?
- Can this be cooked in a clean pan, away from a seafood order?
- What is in the seafood stock or the cracker on the side?
- If there is a label, does it emphasise crustaceans?
Search with crustaceans on your profile
Add crustaceans separately from fish and molluscs. Then search the city you are in and ask about paste, stock and shared pans.
Questions people ask
Is a prawn allergy the same as a mussel allergy?
They are different allergens in UK law. Some people react to both, and some do not. Tell the kitchen which group you avoid. Do not assume “no shellfish” was understood as both.
Does a fish-free dish rule out prawns?
No. Fish, crustaceans and molluscs are three entries in the 14. A vegetable dish can still contain shrimp paste or a prawn cracker.
How should I record this on SafePlate?
Add crustaceans to your profile. If you also avoid molluscs or fish, add those too. Search your city afterwards. Unknown means ask, which is the right next step when no menu is on file.
Set up your foods before you search. This is not medical advice. Confirm the meal with the kitchen. If you think someone is having anaphylaxis, call 999.