Surimi is a paste made from fish or other meat, which is used as the primary ingredient in a number of East Asian foods. In North America and Europe, surimi is used to make imitation seafood products, such as crab, abalone, shrimp, calamari, and scallop. Surimi is made by mincing fish, typically wild Alaska pollock, and washing it to remove impurities. The fish is then mixed with other ingredients such as starches, egg whites, salt, sugar, and crab flavoring or a few bits of real crab to achieve the right flavor. The paste is then heated and pressed into rods resembling crab leg meat, and red and orange food coloring is applied to the outside of the rod to mimic the coloring of cooked crab. Surimi is a great source of protein, low in calories, and versatile, making it easy to add to all your favorite recipes. Surimi-based products are a useful protein source, and legitimate if properly labeled. However, some imitation crab products do not have adequate food allergy labeling, which is required by law.