What are the other names for shellfish on a label?
On a label, shellfish can also appear as “Shrimp”, “Prawn”, “Prawns”, “Crab” or “Lobster”.
All 27 names
Bravoora knows all of these, and the free label checker finds every one. Try the label checker · How Bravoora decides
Where is shellfish found?
- Oyster sauce and XO sauce flavour many stir-fries.
- Fish stock and seafood seasoning can contain crustaceans.
- Surimi and seafood-flavoured snacks can contain crustaceans or molluscs.
- Glucosamine supplements are usually made from shell.
- Paella, biryani and mixed grills often include prawns or squid.
- Shared fryers in restaurants can carry shellfish into other dishes.
Is shellfish a major allergen?
Yes, as two groups. Crustaceans, such as prawns, crab and lobster, must be named on food labels everywhere. Molluscs, such as mussels, oysters and squid, must be named in the UK, Europe and the Gulf, but not on US labels, so check imported American packs.
| Allergen | US | UK and Europe | Gulf |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crustaceans | RequiredAs “crustacean shellfish” | Required | Required |
| Molluscs | Not required | Required | Required |
Sources checked 22 September 2026. All allergen guides
Which diets and allergies does shellfish fit?
For shellfish: vegan and vegetarian profiles get Not for you; dairy-free, gluten-free, peanut-allergy, sesame-allergy, egg-allergy, soy-allergy and caffeine-free profiles get Fits you.
A packed product can still carry a “may contain” warning, so check the pack.
Does shellfish fit you?
Pick what applies to you:
Pick at least one to see your answer.
What is shellfish?
Crustaceans (shrimp, crab, lobster) and molluscs (mussels, squid, oysters) are declared separately in the UK and the EU. The US declares only crustaceans, as “crustacean shellfish”. The Gulf standard GSO 9 lists crustaceans and, in its English text, clams. Shellfish allergy is usually lifelong and is one of the most common causes of severe reactions in adults.
How does Bravoora check for shellfish?
Bravoora looks for every species and for the sauces and supplements that carry them, keeps crustaceans and molluscs apart where the label does, and keeps “contains” and “may contain” apart.
More questions about shellfish
Who looks out for shellfish?
Shellfish matters most to people with a shellfish allergy, and anyone whose profile avoids seafood.
Is shellfish vegan?
No. Crustaceans and molluscs are animals.
Is shellfish vegetarian?
No. Crustaceans and molluscs are animals.
Sources and how to cite this guide
- US FDA: Food allergies
- UK Food Standards Agency: Allergen guidance
- European Union: Regulation 1169/2011 on food information to consumers, Annex II
- US FDA: Questions and Answers Regarding Food Allergen Labeling, Edition 5 (January 2025)
- FARE: Update to FDA guidance for food allergen labeling (tree nuts and coconut, January 2025)
- GCC Standardization Organization: GSO 9:2022, labelling of prepackaged food (current edition)
- GCC Standardization Organization: GSO 9/2013 English text, clause 5.2.5 (the allergen list as published)
- FAO/WHO international food labelling standard (CXS 1-1985, revised 2024)
To cite this guide: Bravoora, “Shellfish on food labels: other names and where it hides”, bravoora.app/ingredients/shellfish/, updated 12 October 2026.
Spotted something wrong or missing? Tell us.
General information, not medical advice. Rules differ by country and products change, so always check the pack.
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