We get it. It’s super easy to fall in love with shrimp. They’re so fresh, delicious, and tender that you can hardly believe it when you pull one out of the shell and put it on your plate.
But there is a reason that you should avoid eating raw shrimp—and it’s not just because they’re bad for your health. In this article, we’ll explain why eating raw shrimp can harm you.
Is it Safe to Eat Raw Shrimp?
Raw shrimp is not only unsafe and distasteful, but it can also make you sick. The bacteria in the shell can be dangerous when ingested.
Shrimps can cause food poisoning and other digestive symptoms, making them unsafe to eat raw. According to Healthline, eating raw shrimp isn’t recommended. If you have a weak immune system, raw shrimp isn’t something you should try.
The best way to avoid any potential issues with raw shrimp is by cooking them first, but there are some precautions to take while handling shrimp. And if you’re going to eat raw shrimp, it’s best to do it at a restaurant.
Note: Most ready-to-eat shrimp sold in stores are cooked properly before frozen for safer consumption.
Why Are Shrimp Unsafe to Eat?
You might be tempted to eat raw shrimp because it’s fun to bite into them and see the juices squirt out. But before you take a bite, consider this:
Shrimp are filter feeders, meaning they don’t need to eat while swimming through the ocean. This makes them more likely to harbor bacteria that can cause illness. And if you’re going to cook your shrimp—which is an excellent idea—do so at a high temperature (over 145°F (63°C)), which will kill any bacteria that might be present in raw shrimp.
Can You Eat Shrimp Straight Out of The Ocean?
Shrimp are members of the crustacean family. They are a type of shellfish, also known as prawns in some parts of the world, but they’re not considered true crustaceans like crabs or lobsters.
They have a hard shell that protects them from predators and environmental conditions such as cold water temperatures or high salinity levels. If you eat raw shrimp straight from the ocean without cooking them first, it would be difficult for your body to break down those protective hard outer shells.
At What Temperature Is Shrimp Safe to Eat?
Cooking shrimp to an internal temperature of at least 145°F will kill any bacteria or parasites that may be present and make the shrimp safe to eat. If you eat raw shrimp, be aware of the potential risks and take steps to minimize them.
Does Undercooked Shrimp Make You Sick?
The short answer is yes. The longer answer is that the risk of food poisoning from undercooked shrimp is very high and can be deadly.
Why? Because undercooked shrimp can contain toxins that cause various symptoms, including stomach pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. However, if you’re a healthy adult who hasn’t had any problems eating raw seafood before, you’re probably not at risk for food poisoning from undercooked shrimp—unless you have an underlying health condition that makes you susceptible to
Generally, it’s best to avoid eating raw shrimp if you have a history of allergies or health issues linked to eating seafood.
Symptoms of Eating Undercooked Raw Shrimp
Eating raw shrimp can cause symptoms similar to bacterial or parasitic infection. Some possible symptoms include:
Nausea: This is a feeling of wanting to vomit or an actual vomiting episode.
Diarrhea: This may be accompanied by abdominal cramps and bloating.
Fever: A fever may occur as your body’s immune system tries to fight off the infection.
Headache: A headache may occur as your body responds to the infection.
Muscle ache & Fatigue: These symptoms also respond to the infection.
If you experience any symptoms after eating raw shrimp, it is important to consult a doctor as soon as possible.
How Long After Eating Raw Shrimp Will You Be Sick?
The time it takes for symptoms to appear after eating raw shrimp can vary. Some people experience symptoms within a few hours. Others may not develop symptoms until several days after eating raw shrimp. In some cases may take a week or longer for symptoms to appear.
But why’s that?
This depends on the type of bacteria or parasites present in the raw shrimp, as well as the person’s susceptibility to infection. Some people are more resistant to infection than others, affecting how quickly symptoms appear.
Safe Ways You Can Eat Raw Shrimp
The world of raw shellfish is an exciting one. There are so many ways to prepare and eat raw shrimp, from simple to complex, that it’s hard to pick a favorite. But here are some of our favorites:
Buy fresh, high-quality shrimp: Choose fresh, high-quality shrimp from a reputable source. Avoid eating shrimp that are past the expiration date or have an off smell or appearance.
Store and handle shrimp properly: Store raw shrimp in the refrigerator at 40°F or below. If you are not going to cook the shrimp immediately, it is best to wrap them in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container to prevent cross-contamination with other foods.
Wash your hands and cooking surfaces: Wash your hands with soap and water before handling raw shrimp. Clean all surfaces and utensils that come into contact with the shrimp.
Cook shrimp thoroughly: To kill any bacteria or parasites present, it is important to cook shrimp thoroughly. Shrimp should be cooked to an internal temperature of at least 145°F.
Avoid cross-contamination: Be sure to keep raw shrimp separate from cooked foods to prevent cross-contamination. Use separate cutting boards, utensils, and dishes for raw and cooked foods.
Following these guidelines can reduce your risk of illness when eating raw shrimp. But note there’s always some risk associated with consuming raw or undercooked seafood. So it may be safer to avoid eating raw shrimp altogether.
Eating Raw Shrimp with Lemon or Lime
Eating shrimp with lemon or lime juice is a great combo that also aids in the digestion of shrimp. However, consider the safety of the shrimp itself. Raw shrimp can be contaminated with bacteria or parasites that can cause illness, and consuming raw or undercooked shrimp can make you sick.
You can reduce the risk of illness when eating raw shrimp by following proper food safety guidelines. If you choose to eat raw shrimp with lemon or lime juice, clean the shrimp thoroughly before using it to prevent the spread of bacteria.
Eating Raw Shrimp in Sushi
Sushi is a popular Japanese dish that often includes raw fish or seafood, including raw shrimp. When properly handled and prepared, raw shrimp in sushi can be safe to eat.
Here are some tips for safely eating raw shrimp in sushi:
Choose a reputable sushi restaurant: Look for a sushi restaurant with a good reputation and high standards for food safety.
Order from a licensed seller: Make sure the seller is licensed and follows local food safety regulations.
Ask about the freshness of the shrimp: Ask the seller about the shrimp and storage practices.
Avoid cross-contamination: Use separate dishes and utensils for raw and cooked foods to prevent cross-contamination.
Follow proper hygiene: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling raw shrimp or sushi.
Eating Raw Shrimp in Ceviche
Ceviche is a popular dish in Central and South America, and it’s easy to see why. The tangy acidic citrus flavor of the tomatoes, onion, and lime juice is brightened by adding a bit of cilantro and some jalapenos. It’s a great way to get your daily dose of vitamin C!
But did you know that raw shrimp can be added to ceviche? It’s true! Shrimp is safe to eat in this dish because it doesn’t need to be cooked before serving. However, you should always rinse off any fish or shellfish before eating it—or else risk getting an illness from parasites like tapeworms or viruses like hepatitis A.
You can also use raw shrimp in sashimi salads with other seafood ingredients such as salmon sushi rolls or California rolls (shrimp tempura, crabsticks, avocado slices). You’ll want to serve these dishes with wasabi and soy sauce so they don’t taste bland if served without rice or noodles!
Is it Safe to Eat Frozen Raw Shrimp?
Although shrimps are generally safe to consume uncooked, there are some safety measures you should follow. Firstly, if shrimp has been frozen, you should never eat it uncooked. Frozen shrimps may have internal organ damage, making them dangerous to eat. Before cooking or eating frozen shrimp, make sure you defrost them.
Another caution is to make sure the shrimps are fully cooked through, which is to say that they have attained a temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit or more, before serving them if you prepare them yourself. If they are undercooked before serving, eating them could still be unsafe and unhealthy.
Lastly, even if your shrimp don’t appear to be cooked through when they come out of the pan after being sautéed, don’t serve them straight from the pan—they may still be unsafe to eat raw!
Final Thoughts
It is possible to eat raw shrimp, but it carries a risk of food poisoning due to the potential presence of bacteria or parasites. Raw shrimp can be contaminated with various harmful microorganisms, including Vibrio, Salmonella, and Anisakis, which can cause symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps.
Make sure to follow proper food safety guidelines to reduce the risk of illness when consuming raw shrimp. This includes buying fresh, high-quality shrimp from a reputable source, storing and handling shrimp properly, washing your hands and surfaces, and cooking shrimp thoroughly.
It is safer to cook seafood thoroughly to kill any bacteria or parasites that may be present. If you are concerned about the safety of eating raw shrimp, it may be best to avoid it altogether and opt for cooked shrimp instead.
