Shellfish (oysters, clams, mussels) pose the greatest risk to be contaminated because they are filter feeders and become contaminated when their waters are polluted with raw sewage and bacteria.<\/p>\n
Oysters can be contaminated with a variety of foodborne pathogens such as E. coli, norovirus, and Vibrio vulnificus and can put you at risk for infections.<\/p>\n
The FDA urges consumers to eat only fully cooked oysters – i.e., boiling them for for 3 to 5 minutes or steaming for 4 to 9 minutes.<\/p>\n
Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that can cause viral gastroenteritis, often called \u201cfood poisoning\u201d or the \u201cstomach flu.\u201d Eating raw or partially cooked shellfish can cause norovirus infection.<\/p>\n