UNI (SEA URCHIN) ALLERGY
Key Allergens
Sea urchins are spiny sea creatures closely related to sea cucumbers and starfish. Although considered a sea food, sea urchins (also called uni) are not fish, molluscs or crustaceans. Anyone allergic to these groups of foods may be able to safely eat uni as long as there is no cross contamination in preparation.
Sea urchins are usually eaten raw, rather than cooked and can taste unpleasant if eaten when not fresh.
The main allergen in uni is called MYP, Major Yolk Protein, but there have been studies that showed some cross reactivity with the allergen tropomyosin, which is found in other seafood.
The main allergen in uni is called MYP, Major Yolk Protein, but there have been studies that showed some cross reactivity with the allergen tropomyosin, which is found in other seafood.
Food Intolerances
Like other seafood, uni can be a food high in histamine, so is not suitable for people following a low histamine diet. The amount of histamine begins to increase after it is harvested from sea water, so if eaten very fresh will be much lower in histamine.
Seafood is always a low FODMAP food. FODMAP stands for Fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols. Foods high in FODMAPs can cause symptoms of food intolerance, affecting the gastro intestinal system and this can be mistaken for a true IgE food allergy.
Uni is a food low in salicylates. Salicylates have the potential to cause worsening of asthma, swelling, itching and hives as well as food intolerance symptoms in people who are sensitive to salicylates.
You can read more about Food Intolerances on the dedicated Food Intolerance Page.
Associated Syndromes
Uni is not linked to any particular allergic syndrome, but is probably best avoided by people who are allergic to various seafoods due to cross contamination in preparation.
Cross Reactivity
Tropomyosin is found in crab, shrimp, oyster, lobster, abalone, prawn, tilapia, crayfish and squid.
Note that the food lists on these pages are not exhaustive, you can find the most up to date information on the Cross Reactivity Tool.
Note that the food lists on these pages are not exhaustive, you can find the most up to date information on the Cross Reactivity Tool.
Resources
Websites
Articles and Journals
Allergen analysis of sea urchin roe using sera from five patients, 2014
Identification of a Major Yolk Protein as an Allergen in Sea Urchin Roe, 2009
Sea urchin roe (uni) anaphylaxis, 2007
Food allergy to Paracentrotus lividus (sea urchin roe), 2007
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