cross-reactivity is the occurrence of allergic reactions to foods that are chemically or otherwise related to foods known to cause allergy in an individual. if someone has a life-threatening reaction to a certain food the doctor will counsel that patient to avoid related foods which also might induce the same reaction. for example if a person has a history of a severe allergy to shrimp he or she can also possibly be allergic to crab lobster and crayfish.
what is cross-reactivity as it relates to food allergies?