Imitation Crab Meat/What's in it?

[Cindy's Mom]

My daughter is allergic to shrimp. We usually have shrimp cocktail on Christmas Eve, but now that we know she is allergic we won't have it anywhere near her. I was thinking of the Imitation crab meat but was unsure of the ingredients. If necessary, I will call her allergist, but he's this big shot board certified DOCTOR and its nearly impossible to get to him.

Anyone have any experience with this?

 

[christinadei]

I'm not positive, but I think it's some sort of cheap fish. Cod maybe?

 

[WIcruizer]

Imitation Crab Meat/What's in it?

Why imitation crab of course!

 

[CheshireVal]

I am pretty sure it's just cheap fish and some flavoring. My brother is allergic to saltwater fish but can eat shellfish. He always has to be super-careful about anything with crab because so much of it is made with the artificial stuff, which is really just fish.

 

[piratesmate]

"Imitation seafood (called surimi) is made from mild-flavored fish such as Alaskan pollock. The fish is skinned, boned and rinsed to tone down its taste, smell and pigment. It's then minced, colored and blended with flavor concentrate made from shellfish. Then it's cooked and cut into various shapes to look like shrimp, lobster chunks, crab legs and scallops."
http://www.sushiman.net/menu/ingredients/imitationcrab.htm

 

[phillybeth]

If your daughter has any kind of seafood allergy I would avoid this product. It's basically just a cheap white fish with flavors and texturizers added to it, and those flavors can come from anywhere. Better to stick with the real (even if more expensive) stuff.

 

[Cindy's Mom]

piratesmate and phillybeth - thank you so much for you information. There will be no imitation crab meat at our house. Thanks again, and Happy Holidays!!!