Watch That Shellfish At That 4th Of July BBQ

Summer weather is on its way and the Department of Health wants people to know that before enjoying our state’s shellfish, it’s crucial to find out if any warnings, closures, or advisories are in effect. The state has a toll-free hotline and a website providing up-to-date information on current risks and tips on shellfish safety.

Warm water can increase levels of naturally occurring bacteria such as Vibrio parahaemolyticus (Vp), which can grow in oysters and make people sick if the oysters are eaten raw. Cooking oysters kills the bacteria, making them safe to eat. And while cooking is an effective way to kill bacteria in oysters, cooking doesn’t eliminate a different kind of shellfish-related risk: the toxin responsible for paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP), which can’t be cleaned or cooked out of shellfish. PSP is extremely dangerous when eaten. You can’t see any of these contaminants in shellfish, making it crucial to keep track of current conditions for shellfish gathering.

“We have wonderful seafood in our state and by taking a few precautions people can continue to enjoy gathering and eating shellfish from our beaches,” said Maryanne Guichard, Assistant Secretary for Environmental Health. “As conditions change, so do the warnings that shellfish lovers should know about. Our website and our toll-free hotline provide the information you need before heading to the beach.”