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🐟 Fish allergy: label names, hidden sources & scanning
Fish allergy is usually lifelong and reactions can be triggered by small amounts. Fish shows up far from the fish counter: Worcester sauce, Caesar dressing, and some Asian sauces are common hidden sources.
Hidden label names our scanner matches
An ingredient list can contain fish without ever using the word. These are the actual terms Scallergy's matching engine checks — the same list the app uses when it scans a barcode:
Common derivatives
Where fish commonly hides
- Worcestershire sauce (anchovy)
- Caesar dressing
- fish sauce in Asian cuisine
- surimi / imitation crab
- some omega-3 supplements
- gelatin of fish origin
How Scallergy verdicts fish
Avoid — fish (or one of the label names above) appears in the product's ingredient list.
Caution — the product carries a “may contain” / cross-contamination warning for it.
Unknown — we don't have trustworthy ingredient data, and we say so instead of guessing. The verdict is always driven by what's in the product; the severity you set in your profile is shown as context.
Scan for fish in seconds
Set fish in your allergen profile once — every barcode scan checks all 22+ label names above automatically. Free, independent, no ads.
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Frequently asked questions
Which label names mean fish?
Beyond the word “fish” itself, look for terms like anchovy, anchovies, cod, salmon, tuna, haddock. These are the exact terms Scallergy's scanner matches when it checks an ingredient list.
Does fish have to be declared on the label?
Yes — in the EU (Regulation 1169/2011, Annex II) and the US (FALCPA/FASTER Act) fish must be emphasised in the ingredient list of prepacked food.
What does “may contain fish” mean?
“May contain” is a voluntary cross-contamination warning: the product doesn't list it as an ingredient, but it is made where contact is possible. Scallergy shows these as a Caution verdict — distinct from Avoid, which means the allergen is actually in the ingredient list.
Can Scallergy guarantee a product is fish-free?
No — no app can. Scallergy checks ingredient data from USDA FoodData Central, Open Food Facts, and community submissions, shows its source and an honest “Unknown” when data is thin, and is assistive only: always check the printed label and follow your allergist's advice.
Related allergens
Scallergy is assistive, not medical advice. Ingredient data can be incomplete or out of date — always check the physical label and consult an allergist about your allergies. Sources: EU Regulation 1169/2011 (Annex II); US FALCPA (2004) and FASTER Act (2021); our data sources.