Is eating raw shrimp safe?

Please be aware that raw shellfish (especially oysters, but including for this purpose raw crustaceans such as shrimp) are increasingly found to be the source of serious illness caused by Vibrio parahemolyticus. read more

Shrimp sashimi, or raw shrimp, can be safely consumed under some circumstances, although this is considered to be a high-risk raw food that should be purchased and consumed with great care, according to the Centre for Food Safety. read more

Please be aware that raw shellfish (especially oysters, but including for this purpose raw crustaceans such as shrimp) are increasingly found to be the source of serious illness caused by Vibrio parahemolyticus. The outbreaks are increasing, especially all around the pacific rim. If eating raw shrimp appeals to you, be aware of the risks. read more

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, eating raw shrimp should be avoided because it poses a risk for contracting foodborne illnesses or parasites. When choosing to eat raw shrimp, make sure it was previously frozen, which kills harmful parasites that can infect the human body. read more

If eating raw shrimp appeals to you, be aware of the risks. A new strain (O3:K6) of V parahemolyticus (which is "naturally" in sea water, NOT from sewage) is emerging with a more aggressive illness. Then consider where the shrimp were harvested: shrimp contaminated by sewage close to a river estuary have been exposed to raw sewage. read more

When choosing to eat raw shrimp, make sure it was previously frozen, which kills harmful parasites that can infect the human body. However, this does not kill harmful microorganisms, and if someone is in a high-risk group for foodborne illness, raw shrimp should always be avoided. read more