A woman from Miami, Dhaniela Marrero, known as Mimi, recently had a scary experience when she accidentally fed her boyfriend, Luis, a type of food he’s allergic to. The couple was dining out when Mimi enjoyed a snail and wanted Luis to try it. Unbeknownst to them, snails fall under the category of shellfish, and Luis has a shellfish allergy.
Mimi admitted she assumed snails were just land animals. Luis had no reason to doubt her choice until a server intervened. The server quickly reminded them about Luis’s allergy, which relieved Mimi, who felt guilty for not being more cautious.
Luis recalls a past incident where he handled shrimp as bait while fishing, resulting in a swollen hand the next day. Fortunately, after eating the snail, he felt fine but still took Benadryl as a precaution.
Statistics show that shellfish allergies are quite common, affecting about 2% of the U.S. population. Most allergic reactions start in adulthood, according to the charity Food Allergy Research and Education. Shellfish are divided into two main groups: crustaceans and mollusks. Snails are classified as mollusks, which also include clams and oysters.
Mimi’s TikTok video about the incident went viral, racking up over 7 million views. Many commenters were surprised to learn that snails are considered shellfish. Responses ranged from support to criticism, with some people expressing their shock and others outright blaming Mimi for the mix-up.
Mimi shared that they plan to be more cautious in the future by researching unfamiliar foods.
The couple’s experience highlights the importance of food allergy awareness. In a recent survey, 85% of respondents admitted to not knowing certain foods they eat could trigger allergies. This illustrates that even well-meaning individuals can make mistakes about food allergies.
This incident serves as a reminder to always communicate dietary restrictions clearly. A simple reminder can prevent a serious allergic reaction and create safer dining experiences.
For more information on food allergies, the Food Allergy Research and Education website offers insightful resources: Food Allergy Research and Education.
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