If you're allergic to shellfish you can eat sea salt. Sea salt is made from ocean water and does not contain any proteins from shellfish. In rare instances, if sea salt is manufactured in a factory that shares equipment for making sea salt and shellfish, cross-contamination may occur. Some people with a shellfish allergy cannot be exposed to the smallest amount of shellfish, including touching them or being in the room where they're being boiled. If you have further concerns while using sea salt, call your doctor.
About Shellfish Allergies
Shellfish allergies are caused by exposure to the proteins in the flesh of the shellfish. Shellfish allergic reactions may occur when you eat or touch the flesh of the shellfish, causing allergic contact dermatitis. Common symptoms of an allergic reaction from ingesting shellfish are hives, skin irritation, asthma, nasal congestion and, rarely, anaphylactic shock. Shellfish include lobster, crab, squid and shrimp. The reaction occurs because even though the proteins in the shellfish are safe for consumption, the immune system identifies them as an intruder. The immune system reacts to the shellfish proteins as if they are harmful and builds up a resistance against them. This resistance releases chemicals in soft tissue in the body, leading to symptoms.
Cross-Contamination
The only way you can have an allergic reaction using sea salt connected to a shellfish allergy is if the salt has been cross-contaminated. Cross-contamination occurs when the sea salt comes into direct contact with the flesh of the shellfish. This commonly happens when you share utensils or cutting boards to prepare different ingredients. Aside from cross-contamination, sea salt will not cause a seafood allergic reaction.
Allergic Consideration
If you've been diagnosed with a seafood allergy and you notice that when you use sea salt you develop similar symptoms, you may have an iodine allergy. Iodine is commonly found in sea salt and can trigger allergy symptoms that are not related to a shellfish allergy. Talk with your doctor about getting allergy testing to determine the cause of your reactions. If you have an allergy to iodine, your doctor will recommend that you purchase sea salt that is iodine-free.
Precautions
A shellfish allergy can cause a severe allergic reaction. You should carry an epinephrine pen on your person at all times. An epinephrine pen is prescribed medication that is used to treat severe allergic reactions. If you develop signs of anaphylaxis, such as shortness of breath, facial swelling and hives, administer the injection and call 911.
