Revely

Allergen

Other names for fish on a food label

US labels have to name the kind of fish, so the word “fish” may never appear. Here are the names to look for.

Sources checked September 26, 2026

Names that mean fish

Look-alikes that aren’t fish

What the law requires

United StatesA major food allergen.1 The label has to name the species, such as “cod,” not just “fish.”2
European UnionOne of the 14 allergens: “Fish and products thereof.” Fish gelatin used to carry vitamins or carotenoids, and fish gelatin or isinglass used to clear beer and wine, are exempt.3
JapanNot mandatory. Salmon (さけ), mackerel (さば) and salmon roe (いくら) are on the recommended list.4

On labels in other languages

SpanishChineseJapanese
pescado鱼、魚さけ、さば、いくら

Sources

  1. US Food and Drug Administration. Food Allergies.
  2. US Food and Drug Administration. Questions and Answers Regarding Food Allergens, Including the Food Allergen Labeling Requirements of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (Edition 5), 2025.
  3. European Union. Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 on the provision of food information to consumers, Annex II, 2011.
  4. Consumer Affairs Agency, Japan. アレルギー表示について (Allergen labeling), April 2026, 2026 (in Japanese).

Every source above was checked against the published text on September 26, 2026.