Can you eat raw mussels?
Quick Answer
No
Eating raw or undercooked mussels can lead to serious health risks including food poisoning and parasitic infections.
What Is It?
Mussels are a type of shellfish that live in both fresh and salt water. They are often cooked before consumption to kill any harmful bacteria or parasites.
How to Tell
If you’ve eaten raw mussels and experience symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, or fever, you may have a foodborne illness.
Why It Can Be Risky
Eating raw mussels can pose several health risks:
- Food poisoning: Raw mussels may contain harmful bacteria that can cause food poisoning.
- Parasitic infections: Mussels can host various parasites that can cause illness if ingested.
Safe Method?
The safest way to consume mussels is to cook them thoroughly. This will kill any harmful bacteria or parasites.
Safe Alternatives
If you enjoy the taste of mussels but want to avoid the risks associated with eating them raw, consider alternatives such as cooked mussels or other types of cooked shellfish.
Storage Tips
Mussels should be stored in a refrigerator at a temperature below 40°F. They should be cooked within a few days of purchase.
Preparation Tips
Before cooking mussels, they should be thoroughly cleaned and debearded. Any mussels that do not close when tapped should be discarded.