Molluscs: Example of a common food allergy

Molluscs

Molluscs are understood to be:

• Cephalopods: squids, cuttlefish, etc;
• Belly molluscs: snails, escargots, winkles, etc;
• Bivalves: cockles, mussels, oysters, etc.

Examples of ingredients and products which contain or may contain molluscs 

• oyster sauce;
• paella;
• Bouillabaisse (French fish soup);
• oriental dishes;

seafood;

• seafood;
• dishes with calamari (deep-fried squid rings).

Symptoms range from itching and swelling in the mouth and throat to life-threatening reactions. Symptoms mainly occur within 1 hour after consumption. Most common are hives. But other complaints have also been reported: skin complaints, intestinal, respiratory and eye complaints.