Is it safe to eat farmed oysters?

In this brief guide, we will discuss the question, “is it safe to eat farmed oysters?”. As well, we will discuss what are oysters, what are farmed oysters, how are oysters farmed, what is the nutrient content present in oysters, and other concerns about oysters.

Is it safe to eat farmed oysters?

Yes, it is safe to eat farmed oysters and they have equal health benefits as wild oysters. The practice of farming oysters helps to keep the natural environment of oysters safe. 

Farmed oysters are produced in a controlled environment, and wild oysters are caught in their natural habitat. There are producers of oysters who apply good manufacturing practices and control programs, which will contribute to safe farmed oysters for human consumption.

How are oysters farmed?

According to PangeaShellfishCompany, farmed oysters contribute to the ocean environment. The oysters are raised in the same environment as wild oysters, in open waters, and the oysters do not require to be fed as they are in the natural habitat with algae tides. 

How can I know if the oysters have not been contaminated with toxins or mercury?

If you bought commercial oysters you will lower your chances of eating contaminated oysters, as the production of oysters is inspected by federal authorities which have the aim to ensure safe foods for human consumption. 

How can I know if the oysters are spoiled?

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, spoiled food may have changed the appearance of the food in its color, fresh aspect, texture, odor, and taste. If you noted some of the signs of spoiled foods, throw them away to avoid foodborne illness. To know more, click here

What is foodborne illness?

Foodborne illness can occur when humans eat food contaminated with microorganisms, such as bacteria, parasites, viruses, and also chemicals, or spoiled food. The contamination of food can happen in any part of the manufacturing food, also in shipping, commerce, and at home. 

What do I need to know when buying oysters?

To reduce the chance of foodborne illness or popularly known as “food poisoning” the Food and Drug Administration suggested following the list of tips below. 

  • Just choose oysters that are refrigerated or exhibited on a wide bed of fresh ice;
  • The oysters can never smell ammonia or sour;
  • The smell coming from the oysters needs to be mild and fresh;
  • The entire flesh of the oysters needs to be firm, and when pressed should spring back;
  • The oysters need to exhibit no discoloration, blackness, or dry edges.  

What do I need to know if I will buy frozen oysters?

When you are going to buy frozen oysters, you need to pay attention if the package is not damaged or kneaded. Take care of signs of crystals or frost ice, which indicates the oysters were defrosted and refrozen.

How can I defrost frozen oysters?

To defrost frozen oysters properly, you just need to keep them in the refrigerator, then they will defrost at a safe temperature. It is not recommended to defrost frozen oysters at room temperature. 

How can I store oysters? 

If the oysters will be consumed within 2 days after being bought, you can keep them in a clean refrigerator (40°F or below). If you know that you are not using the oysters, it’s better to freeze them as soon as possible. To know more safety tips about it, click here

What is the nutrient content present in oysters?

Eating oysters can be very nutritious, as they contain low-fat content, high protein, omega-3 fatty acids, B12 vitamin, E vitamin, riboflavin, zinc, selenium, copper, manganese, calcium, iron, and phosphorus.  

What are the health benefits of eating oysters?

As you check, the oyster is a valuable source of good nutrients that provide health benefits to your body. According to Healthline, below are listed some health benefits of eating oysters. 

  • The abundance of B12 vitamins present in oysters improves and maintains the nervous system well, such as blood cell development and metabolism working well;
  • The abundance of zinc present in oysters improves the immune system, keeps the metabolism working well, and assists the cell growth; 
  • The presence of selenium in oysters assists the thyroid function and keeps the metabolism working well;
  • The iron present in oysters assists in the prevention of anemia;
  • Oysters also contain many antioxidants that neutralize free radicals, which damage the cells of the body;
  • The high-quality protein present in oysters helps to weight loss because they make you feel fuller and satiated.   

Are there side effects of eating oysters?

Yes, there are some side effects of eating oysters, mainly if you have an intolerance for the protein of the oysters. According to Healthline, below are listed some side effects of eating oysters. 

  • If you eat oysters that are in the red tide you have a chance to develop poisoning paralysis because the oysters will be contaminated with toxins present in the red tide;
  • Oysters are related to mercury content that can be present in the water.

What is a recipe for oysters?

As oysters are consumed worldwide, you can find many recipes on the internet to make oysters. If you click here, you will check 25 recipes for oysters.

Other FAQs about Oysters  that you may be interested in.

Can you eat pearl oysters?

Can you eat pearl oysters

Can you leave oysters out of the fridge?

Conclusion

In this brief guide, we will discuss the question, “is it safe to eat farmed oysters?”. As well, we will discuss what are oysters, what are farmed oysters, how are oysters farmed, what is the nutrient content present in oysters, and other concerns about oysters.

References

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oyster Accessed: 05/09/2022

https://www.pangeashellfish.com/blog/the-argument-for-farmed-oysters Accessed: 05/09/2022

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/oysters Accessed: 05/09/2022

https://www.usda.gov/media/blog/2016/03/25/protecting-your-family-food-spoilage Accessed: 05/09/2022

https://www.cdc.gov/foodsafety/foodborne-germs.html Accessed: 05/09/2022

https://www.fda.gov/food/buy-store-serve-safe-food/selecting-and-serving-fresh-and-frozen-seafood-safely Accessed: 05/09/2022

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