FOOD NEWS
When You Eat Raw Oysters, Just Know They May Be Alive
By Allie Ward
Oysters can be enjoyed in various ways, from eating them raw on the half shell with toppings and condiments to incorporating them into cooked dishes like chowder.
However, oysters have developed a bit of a reputation for dividing diners who may be squeamish about the texture, especially since they may still be alive when served and consumed.
When dining in most restaurants, it's safe to assume that they are either alive or were recently killed or shucked before being served on ice to keep them as fresh as possible.
Serving raw oysters as fresh as possible preserves the flavor, helps maintain nutrients, and reduces the risk of bacterial contamination and food-borne illness.
The shucking process, which involves opening the shell to access the live oyster inside, severs the adductor muscle of the oyster, often killing it.
When you consume a freshly shucked oyster, it is alive or at least very recently deceased, but don't worry, they can't feel pain — at least, we don't think so.