If a guy says he's allergic to shellfish, is it OK to give him crab?

[Anonymous]

[abc3643]

Probably not. And, to be on the safe side, believe that the answer to your question is "No.".
However, you can ask this guy to be specific.
Crabs, lobsters, shrimp are "crustaceans" - a form of shellfish.
However, "shellfish" can also include mollusks with shells such as clams, oysters, mussels, and scallops.
Squids, nautiluses, and octopuses are also mollusks, but they do not have shells.
Snails, which do have shells, are mollusks too, as are slugs which do not have shells.
Echinoderms, such as sea urchins and starfish, are also considered shellfish.

So, you may want to ask him to be specific and perhaps also ask him "What is it in shellfish that you are allergic to?"

The reason for the second question is actually subtle... Certain religious groups prohibit eating shellfish. For instance, in the Bible books of Leviticus and Deuteronomy, there are explicit bans for eating shellfish - you can only eat fish with fins and scales. So, Jews and 7th Day Adventists who are strictly following the Bible will not eat shellfish. So, it is possible that he will not eat shellfish for religious reasons and not because he is actually allergic, but that he doesn't want you to know (yet) why he won't eat shellfish, so he is providing you with the "allergy excuse".

[abc3643]

I wanted to add this:
www.mayoclinic.org/.../syc-20377503

Keep in mind that many religious dietary laws existed, really, because eating the banned foods often killed people. So, it's a lot easier to say "God says 'Don't eat that!'" than it is to come off as a parent and say "Don't eat that!". People often don't care what other people say, but - long ago when belief in God was very real - you don't want to piss-off God.

[blackgaletiger]

There is no reason to be giving anyone crabs.. in this circumstances. It would be best to avoid all seafood if possible if your unsure of their properties

[purplepoppy]

Is he allergic to shrimp and lobsters or to things like clams and mussels? Best play safe and just avoid seafood

[Asker]

Is it OK if I get it from a river?

[purplepoppy]

Why take the risk

[dustybiker]

Probably best to get tested specifically first. I know someone who couldn’t have lobster but was fine with crab.

[boggboss]

Just dont feed him crab lol are u actually trying to kill him

[IchthyoHuntr]

Crab IS categorized as a shellfish so absolutely not. Anaphylaxis can be life threatening.

[Asker]

What if I the shell off? Sorry I don't know these things

[IchthyoHuntr]

That's not how a shellfish allergy works. It makes no difference, your boyfriend cannot eat the flesh of shellfish because he's allergic. If he ate a crab cake, the same thing would happen to him as it would if he ate an intact crab.

[IchthyoHuntr]

My bad, I assumed you were in a relationship so I said "boyfriend" without thinking. Sorry if I created any awkwardness lol

[Asker]

That's ok!
Ok so the meat is no go. But is the shell edible?

[IchthyoHuntr]

You're not serious, are you?

Look, seafood is tricky. He could also be allergic to clams, squid, etc.- don't offer this guy any seafood unless he knows for certain it's something that doesn't set off a reaction.

[Asker]

Very serious I don't want him sick ya know? Thanks for the info!

[whereismyjohnny]

No. A crab is a shellfish.

[Ms_Facesitter]

If you're not sure, Don't do it.

[Sasha0426]

Crab is still shellfish.

[LavLavLuv]

girl...

[In_Trance]

smh...