Prevalence of seafood allergy in the United States determined by a random telephone survey

Abstract

Background Seafood allergy is potentially severe, but the prevalence of this group of food allergies in the US population has not been determined. Objective To estimate the prevalence of seafood (fish, shellfish) allergy in the United States. Methods We performed a nationwide, cross-sectional, random telephone survey by using a standardized questionnaire. Criteria were established in advance to define seafood allergy by report of convincing symptoms and physician evaluation. Results A total of 5529 households completed the survey (67.3% participation rate), representing a census of 14,948 individuals. Fish or shellfish allergy defined by established criteria was reported in 5.9% (95% CI, 5.3%-6.6%) of households and among individuals as follows: 2.3% (95% CI, 2%-2.5%) for any seafood allergy, 2% for shellfish, 0.4% for fish, and 0.2% for both types. Seafood allergy was more common in adults compared with children (2.8% vs 0.6%; P < .001) and in women compared with men (3.6% vs 2%; P