Despite the fact that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) states that oysters are safe for consumption for most people, the Center for Science in the Public Interest disagrees. According to the advocacy group, unless oysters have been properly cooked or treated to kill
bacteria, they can cause serious illness and even
death.
At the present time, the FDA warns that only people who are especially vulnerable to bacteria, such as
diabetics, people with
liver disease, and people with
suppressed immune systems should avoid eating raw Gulf of Mexico oysters. In those patients who are high risk, the bacteria can cause a
blood infection that may be fatal. In healthy consumers, the bacteria may only cause an upset stomach. Despite the 85 deaths between 1996 and 2000 related to the bacteria
Vibrio vulnificus, the FDA feels that the current warning is sufficient.
The Center for Science in the Public Interest, however, believes that more serious consideration needs to be given to the dangers of eating raw oysters. The Interstate Shellfish Sanitation Conference is considering a plan to cut the infection rate by 40 percent by the end of 2006.
If you have suffered an adverse health event after consuming a seafood product, it may be important to
contact an attorney who can help you protect your legal rights. Please keep in mind that there may be
time limits within which you must commence suit.
See Also
- Contaminated Seafood: Overview