Can you eat spoiled clams?
Quick Answer
No
Eating spoiled clams can lead to food poisoning. Symptoms of food poisoning can include stomach cramps, diarrhea, nausea, fever, and chills.
What Is It?
Spoiled clams are clams that have gone bad or are no longer fresh. They can have a strong, unpleasant smell and may have a slimy texture.
How to Tell
- A strong, unpleasant smell
- A slimy texture
- Discoloration
- Clams that do not close when tapped
Why It Can Be Risky
Eating spoiled clams can lead to serious health risks, including:
- Food poisoning
- Severe stomach cramps
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Fever and chills
Safe Method?
To safely eat clams, they should be cooked thoroughly and eaten as soon as possible after purchase. Any clams that do not close when tapped should be discarded.
Can You Just Cut It Off?
If clams have been left out at room temperature for more than two hours, they should be discarded.
Storage Tips
Store clams in a refrigerator at a temperature below 40°F’, ‘Do not store clams in a sealed plastic bag or submerged in water’, ‘Use clams within two days of purchase
Preparation Tips
Before cooking, clams should be scrubbed clean and soaked in a mixture of water and salt to help remove any sand or grit.