Seafood Allergy

[Paul Texas Pilgrim]

Hello,
By searching on food allergy I gathered several good tips. I guess my question is on successfully communicating with a busy wait-person. I saw the recommendation to carry a laminated card stating my allergy: something like

Tengo una alergia a mariscos

Specifically, I have an allergy to the iodine found in shellfish like shrimp, prawn, and lobster. Fish (tuna, shark, even squid) are fine. So, is "mariscos" too broad of a term?

If we were chatting in COBOL or JAVA, I would be all set: but I have very limited Spanish skills.

Thank you for your comments.

Paul

 

[Pelegrin]

"Tengo una alergia a mariscos" is perfectly understandable in Spanish, but i would put on the card
"Tengo alergia al marisco" .

 

[mikevasey]

This wasn't in your question, but be very careful with anything that is accompanied by a sauce or needs a liquid to rehydrate or cook in. Since mariscos is such a big part of the diet in Spain, shells and such like are often reserved to add flavour to a whole variety of non seafood meals.

 

[Paul Texas Pilgrim]

Thank you for your responses.
Adding shells and other bits of shellfish is common practice in sauces and soups in the USA also. Fortunately, I recognize the early warning that it is present in food. I can push the plate away, drink more water and I will be okay.

Bringing my card will help me be more confortable but I will be careful.

Paul