WASHINGTON (CNN) — For some people, the thought of snacking on a cicada is enough to make them sick. But, people with seafood allergies could actually become seriously ill from eating these insects.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says cicadas “share a family relation to shrimp and lobsters.” This is why health officials discourage people who have issues with seafood from chowing down on this protein-packed bug.
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/UBg7CwrObN pic.twitter.com/3qn7czNg53
— U.S. FDA (@US_FDA) June 2, 2021
Aside from those with allergies, cicadas are generally harmless to humans.
For more information on food allergies, visit fda.gov.