Oysters: Safe Summer Consumption

I love oysters, but have heard they’re not safe to eat in the summer. Can I eat oysters in June?

The short answer: Yes. If they are fully cooked.

The explanation: There is an old saying that oysters should only be eaten during months whose names contain the letter “r” – which takes the primary beach-traveling months of June, July, and August out of the safety zone. While there is some reality behind the saying, oysters can be eaten at any time, as long as they are fully cooked.

The truth of the saying comes from the fact that Vibrio bacteria naturally live in coastal waters and thrive in the warmer waters of the summer months. Oysters, in particular, are prone to Vibrio contamination because they feed by filtering water, so Vibrio and other bacteria can become concentrated in the oyster’s tissues. Norovirus has also been an increasing issue with oysters from certain areas, with several recent recalls and even some harvesting areas being temporarily closed.

Both Vibrio and norovirus can cause severe illness and are most likely to occur if the oysters are consumed raw or undercooked. To keep safe and healthy:

• Purchase and Prep: Keep raw oysters away from ready-to-eat food in the grocery cart, refrigerator, and on cutting boards. Clean and sanitize hands, kitchen utensils, cutting boards, counters, and surfaces after handling raw oysters.
• Cooking: Cook oysters to an internal temperature of at least 145°F by:
  • Shelled: Steam live oysters until shells open, then steam for 4-9 minutes more – quick steaming does not heat oysters enough to kill the bacteria. Grill at 400°F for 5-10 minutes (until edges curl and liquid bubbles); add seasoning, cook 2-3 minutes more.
    Toss any that did not open.
  • Shucked: Boil at least 3 minutes (or until the edges curl); fry at 375°F for at least 3 minutes; broil 3 inches from heat for 3 minutes; grill at 400°F for 5-7 minutes; bake at 450°F for 10 minutes.
• Eating: Slide onto a cracker, top with your favorite condiment, or use in a tasty recipe – and enjoy!

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