Ask the Allergist

Can I Eat Products like Kombu, With A Shellfish Allergy?

AAFA's Ask the Allergist Service 5/22/239:41 AM

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Photo by Silas Baisch on Unsplash

Question

I have a shellfish allergy. Can I safely eat a food, such as canned beans, if they contain Kombu Seaweed (edible brown kelp)?

Answer

Yes, you should be fine eating Kombu seaweed (dried sea kelp), despite your shellfish allergy. Kombu are large seaweeds or algae. They belong to the brown algae family. It is a natural flavor enhancer with health benefits. There are no relevant shellfish allergens in this product. You should be fine eating foods with ingredients like Kombu seaweed.

Categories

Food Allergy, Shellfish Allergy

Answered by

John M. James, MD, is a board-certified allergist. He is also President of Food Allergy Consulting and Education Services, LLC. He has worked as a medical specialist in the field of allergy, asthma, and immunology for over 30 years. Dr. James received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Arkansas and his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Tennessee. He is board certified by the American Board of Allergy and Immunology.

Reviewed and Answered

July 11, 2022

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