Cicadas are related to shrimp – don’t eat them if you have a seafood allergy, FDA warns

Thinking of trying a high-protein snack with a crunchy cicada? It’s not a good idea for some diners, a federal agency warned on Wednesday.

The latest group of periodical cicadas may tempt adventurous eaters, but people with seafood allergies should pass on any recipes that include the insects, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

“Don’t eat #cicadas if you’re allergic to seafood as these insects share a family relation to shrimp and lobsters,” the FDA shared on Twitter.

The agency shared the news as billions of cicadas are emerging along the East Coast across 15 states and Washington, D.C. This year’s batch, known as Brood X, has been dormant underground for the last 17 years.

Yep! We have to say it!

Don’t eat #cicadas if you’re allergic to seafood as these insects share a family relation to shrimp and lobsters. https://t.co/UBg7CwrObNpic.twitter.com/3qn7czNg53

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And while the thought of eating the loud insects may not appeal to some, there’s still an appetite for the bugs in some places.

Tobias Padovano, a chef at a Virginia restaurant that serves cicada tacos, told USA TODAY in May that he sells out of the dish every night he has it on the menu.

“I have not heard a single person say they don’t like them. I’ve seen every plate that comes back with them, and they’ve all been empty,” he said. “People are incredibly excited about them. They come in and they ask for them.”

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