Globally cuisines are as distinct as the cultures, and have unique methods of preparation, which includes raw ingredients. In the US, shrimp is the most widely consumed seafood, from farm raised and wild categories. Known for high nutritional value and regarded as one of the best delicacies, shrimp in recipes include the use of cooked and raw shrimp. One of the most common questions among individuals is the apprehension of allergy or health issues from consuming raw sea food. We will therefore take a good look at shrimp and the various factors surrounding its consumption to answer the question – can you eat raw shrimp? Before we delve deeper, it is important to be appraised of the statistics regarding shellfish allergy and sea food poisoning. This will set an informed perspective and prepare you to understand the facts, narrative.
What is sea food poisoning and can you eat raw shrimp without falling sick?
Annually, in the US 48 million individuals fall sick as a result of food poisoning, with about 3000 individuals succumbing to one of many different types of poisoning. Food poisoning is attributed to contaminated food and pathogens that cause infections. This includes bacteria and parasites – the most commonly known conditions include salmonella, staphylococcus aureus, clasutridium perfringens, and bacillus cereus, that cause the release of toxins in food poisoning. Food poisoning is typically known to increase during summer in most cases. Before we look at the question – can you eat raw shrimp – it is essential to understand more about allergies to shellfish.
What is shellfish allergy and can you eat raw shrimp if you are allergic?
Studies have estimated the number of Americans who are allergic to various food products. Shellfish allergy happens to be the number one allergic condition among Americans, accounting for 8.2 million estimated number of annual cases. It is important to add here that shellfish allergies like other food allergies can turn serious in nature and can sometimes be life threatening. A large number of cases often require hospitalization. In addition to the impact on quality of life, shellfish allergies are considered as lifechanging in nature. This is because shellfish allergies are typically lifelong and individuals with the condition will have to adjust and lead their lives accordingly. There is a clear cut answer to the question – can you eat raw shrimp if you have shellfish allergy. Individuals with shellfish allergy are not to consume raw shrimp any time whatsoever.
Presently, there are no cures, while therapies are the subject of ongoing study. The only option is to stay away from the substances that causes allergy. Here it is important to add that shellfish allergy can also be caused when the individual is close to the preparation area. In other words, individuals with shellfish allergy need not actually consume the food, but be close to the area where it is being prepared to experience symptoms associated with the allergy.
At what ages do individuals generally turn allergic to shellfish?
The sensitization to shellfish can occur at any time and is not linked to age. While it is true that more individuals turn allergic during adulthood, it is not linked to age, but to the circumstances that lead to the sensitization. Exposure to allergens in particular situations are often the reason for individuals to experience allergic reactions. Additionally, individuals with shellfish allergies are likely to find themselves experiencing allergies to different types of shellfish. However, the most common shellfish allergies include shrimp, crab and lobster, and the answer to question can you eat raw shrimp is a definitive no for individuals of this category.
What are the cuisines/preparations that involve raw shrimp and can you eat raw shrimp?
Among the various types of preparations, south east Asian preparations are known for the use of raw shrimp in recipes. The most common and famous example is shrimp sashimi which is eaten raw and is available in restaurants that specialize in south east Asian cuisines. This food is considered as high risk even in certain south east Asian nations and is therefore unsafe for consumption or trial. The possibility of contamination is high – for instance, bacteria pathogens such as Vibrio parahaemolyticus, and Vibrio cholera are some of the risks of contamination associated with the preparation. The possibilities of contamination of the shells are high and as a result of the handling that is involved in the cleaning and arrangement of the shellfish, the risk rises manifold. The answer to the question can you eat raw shrimp is a definitive no, however, there are sizeable sections of societies in far eastern nations who consume the food without being affected. Lets look at the reasons behind this data.
Allergies are common to all races, however, the types of allergies that affect different races vary. Korea and Japan are two nations where recipes include the use of raw fish or seafood. Individuals in these nations who are accustomed to consuming these preparations are less sensitized to the allergens than individuals in western nations. Consequently, the number of individuals who are affected by consuming raw food is significantly lower. This also depends on the other ingredients used in preparation and the manner in which the recipe is prepared. Preparation methods used in such cuisines involve lesser human handling or touching by hands. As we look at the answer to the question can you eat raw shrimp, it is not out of place to mention that the preparations in such recipes involve the use of fresh shrimp.
Raw shrimp delicacies involve the use of fresh shrimp. This is precisely why most of the traditional restaurants that specialize in the delicacies are often oceanfront and located close to landing points for seafood. The farther the restaurant from the markets, the greater is the need for freezing seafood, and this makes the entire process highly risky. Cooking of shrimp is essentially to kill the bacteria and virus that could cause food poisoning. One study revealed that 16% of ready to eat, cooked shrimp contained high levels of pathogens that could cause food poisoning. This is because the shrimp were not cooked properly to kill the bacteria and virus. Therefore the whole idea of cooking is to eliminate the possibility of poisoning by pathogens. While the overall answer to the question can you eat raw shrimp the eating preferences of certain sections of societies make it necessary to answer the question differently.
Precautions for safe preparation of shrimp to avoid food poisoning
The answer to the question can you eat raw shrimp has been addressed, however, it is also important to understand precautions that need to be followed by all, during preparation of shrimp. This will ensure that chances of food poisoning are eliminated. The entire process should begin with choosing a right source for the raw shrimp. The longer the duration of handling before freezing, the higher are the chances of contamination. This is precisely why it is necessary choose a source that is fully compliant with the safety regulations.
The importance of proper cooking techniques to prevent seafood poisoning
While it is easy to go by the answer to the question can you eat raw shrimp and avoid raw shrimp consumption, it is equally important to ensure that cooked shrimp is also free from the pathogens and bacteria that can cause health complications. Most seafood products are purchased frozen, and the thawing process is often flawed, as the products are often left to thaw out in the open. This is risk prone and the best method is to thaw frozen seafood inside the refrigerator to prevent the spread of pathogens. The cleaning of seafood is of primary importance as this can prevent contamination. This needs to be followed by cooking at the right temperature and for a particular period of time (as per the cooking method) to ensure that harmful bacteria are killed. The cooking process needs to ensure that the ingredients are exposed to sufficiently high temperatures necessary for the elimination of bacteria.
Can you eat raw shrimp without experiencing food poisoning?
Food poisoning occurs due to one of many reasons. Contaminated ingredients, insufficient cooking and improper handling can result in food poisoning or cross contamination. Most individuals are under the impression that shellfish allergy is caused by iodine reaction. While it is true that seafood contains iodine, the presence of iodine does not make it the main reason for seafood allergies. Eating of raw shrimp is certainly a bad idea if you are not accustomed to eating raw ingredients. Similarly, if you have any kind of seafood allergy, then it is important that you do not make any attempt to eat shrimp, either raw or cooked. In fact, for some individuals with a very high degree of sensitization to shellfish allergy, even the inhalation of the steam/aroma of seafood preparation can trigger an allergic reaction. Therefore the answer to the question can you eat raw shrimp depends on your eating habits and the presence or absence of shellfish allergies.