Does a shellfish card include fish?

No. This card is for crustaceans and typical restaurant shellfish. If you also avoid fish, add it as a second card or a custom note.

Is oyster sauce a shellfish issue?

Oyster sauce is made from oysters. If you avoid mollusks as well as shrimp and crab, the card should say so, because many “house sauces” include it.

Can I use this card at sushi restaurants?

Yes, then still ask about shared knives, brushes, and whether shrimp or crab is prepped on the same board. Read the sushi allergy guide for the questions that usually matter.

Allergen card

Free shellfish allergy card

A shellfish allergy card should name shrimp, crab, lobster, and stock, then ask about shared woks, fryers, and seafood grills.

How to use this card

Shellfish allergies are often mishandled because “seafood” and “shellfish” are not the same list. Shrimp paste, crab stock, oyster sauce, and lobster base show up in dishes that look like chicken, fried rice, or vegetables.

Write shrimp, crab, lobster, and shellfish stock on the card. Then ask whether the wok, fryer, or grill also cooks shrimp. In many kitchens the answer is yes even when your plate has no visible shellfish.

If you eat fin fish but not shellfish, say that clearly. Kitchens otherwise send you to a salad and refuse the fish you could have had.

Shellfish questions worth asking

Stocks and sauces

Oyster sauce, shrimp paste, dashi blends, and seafood stock can be in fried rice, broth, and “vegetable” dishes.

Shared woks and grills

A wok that just cooked shrimp will season the next dish. Ask for a clean pan and utensils.

Garnishes

Dried shrimp, crab salad, and fried shallot mixes are added at the end and missed on the ticket.

Sushi and omakase

Shared knives, brushes, and fish trays matter as much as the fish itself. Ask before you sit for omakase.

Questions about this card

Does a shellfish card include fish?: No. This card is for crustaceans and typical restaurant shellfish. If you also avoid fish, add it as a second card or a custom note.
Is oyster sauce a shellfish issue?: Oyster sauce is made from oysters. If you avoid mollusks as well as shrimp and crab, the card should say so, because many “house sauces” include it.
Can I use this card at sushi restaurants?: Yes, then still ask about shared knives, brushes, and whether shrimp or crab is prepped on the same board. Read the sushi allergy guide for the questions that usually matter.

A card helps you communicate. It does not guarantee a meal is free from an allergen. Confirm ingredients, preparation, and cross-contact with restaurant staff, and follow the emergency plan from your healthcare professional.