Final answer:
People with shellfish allergies may be able to eat octopus, as shellfish allergies primarily concern crustaceans and mollusks. However, as an octopus is a mollusk, it's possible it could still trigger an allergic reaction, and anyone with a shellfish allergy should consult an allergist before trying it.
Step-by-step explanation:
Can someone with a shellfish allergy eat octopus? This falls under the broader category of food allergies, and while octopuses are not shellfish, they are still part of the mollusk family. People frequently confuse shellfish allergies with allergies to all types of seafood, but they are not the same. Shellfish allergies are typically related to crustaceans and mollusks, which include shrimp, crabs, and lobsters. Octopus, being a mollusk, can sometimes trigger reactions in individuals who have a shellfish allergy, although it's not as common as reactions to crustaceans.
However, each allergic individual may react differently, and some people with shellfish allergies may tolerate mollusks like octopuses without issues. It's important to consult with an allergist for testing and personalized advice. Regarding the hypothesis about people becoming ill after eating oysters, a hypothesis could be a. Everyone who ate oysters got sick, which would need to be tested for verification.
Those with food allergies must be aware of potential cross-reactivity between different types of seafood. Land-based mollusks such as escargot may also pose a risk of allergic reactions to individuals with mollusk allergies. While some mollusks are considered delicacies and very edible, the concern for allergic individuals remains significant.