Let's Talk BBQ
Tips, Tricks & Just Good Advice! => Good to Know! - A collection of How-To's & Sage Advice => Food Safety Issues => Topic started by: Las Vegan Cajun on August 29, 2014, 12:07:02 PM
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This may be of interest to those that enjoy raw oysters.
<a href="http://www.fda.gov/food/resourcesforyou/healtheducators/ucm085385.htm">Raw Oyster Myths</a>
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From the Food Safety News website.
<a href="http://www.foodsafetynews.com/2010/10/florida-warns-residents-of-eating-raw-oysters/">There's Risk In Eating Raw Oysters</a>
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The deaths from driving & guns exceed oyster deaths by a factor of 200 times & I do both!
We all make decisions of risk & reward hundreds of times a day.
In the words of the song ......." I take my chances"
http://youtu.be/9kyGik7LVf8
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Love the song!
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From <a href="http://safeoysters.org/consumers/eating.html">Safe Oysters</a>
Who should avoid eating raw oysters?
Certain medically compromised individuals have an increased risk of serious illness or death from eating raw molluscan shellfish. Although these illnesses and fatalities are rare, medically compromised individuals are urged to abstain from eating raw or undercooked molluscan shellfish. At greatest risk are persons with liver, stomach, or blood disorders; individuals with AIDS, diabetes, cancer, or kidney disease; and chronic alcohol abusers. Those uncertain of their health status should seek the advice of their physician.
Being diabetic this is the reason I'm very careful about what I eat.
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We are all going to die. That being said, I like oysters better cooked.
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<a href="http://www.fda.gov/downloads/Food/FoodborneIllnessContaminants/UCM211147.pdf">Food-borne Illness Contaminants</a>
OYSTER FACTS
• Oysters are sometimes contaminated with the naturally occurring bacteria Vibrio vulnificus.
• Oysters contaminated with Vibrio vulnificus can’t be detected by smell or sight; they look like other oysters.
• Eating raw oysters containing Vibrio vulnificus is very dangerous for those with pre-existing medical conditions such as liver disease, diabetes, hepatitis, cancer and HIV.
• Symptoms of Vibrio vulnificus contamination include: diarrhea, fever, nausea, vomiting, and skin lesions.
• 50 percent of people who are infected with Vibrio vulnificus as a result of eating raw contaminated oysters die.
• Eating raw oysters with hot sauce or while drinking alcohol does not kill the bacteria.
• Only heat can destroy the bacteria. In order to prevent contamination, and kill the bacteria, the oysters should be thoroughly cooked.
Did You Know?
• People who drink alcoholic beverages (including beer and wine) regularly may be at risk for liver disease, and, as a result, at risk for serious illness or death from consuming raw oysters.
• Even drinking two to three drinks daily can contribute to the development of liver disease, which may occur without symptoms.
• Alcoholism and infections from Hepatitis can injure the liver and impair its function years before an individual begins to experience symptoms. Liver disease puts people at risk for Vibrio vulnificus infection from raw oysters. The risk of death is almost 200 times greater in those with liver disease than those without liver disease.
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We are all going to die. That being said, I like oysters better cooked.
I love oysters cooked as well as raw, I've been eating raw oysters all my life and enjoy them as much as cooked. Being diabetic and with all this evidence of eating raw oysters has on those of us with compromised immune systems has me thinking that maybe I should give up raw oysters from the Gulf of Mexico. Looks like charbroiled oysters will become my choice over raw oysters. ;)
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Keeping a perspective
Food acquired vibriosis 20 deaths/ year USA
Alcohols death cause about 90000/ year USA
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Keeping a perspective
Food acquired vibriosis 20 / year USA
Alcohols death cause about 90000/ year USA
I think I could pick the odds for this group...... :D
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But how do you eat raw oysters safely? And the risk has to be less than being hit by lightning,20 deaths,big deal.
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But how do you eat raw oysters safely? And the risk has to be less than being hit by lightning,20 deaths,big deal.
It really depends on the individuals immune system, and where the oysters come from and what time of the year, lots of variables from what I have gathered.
For those of us with comprised immune systems, in my case diabetes, gulf water oysters during the summer months (May-Aug) pose the biggest threat. Even during the winter months there is a health risk to those with compromised immune systems.
The stats I read are 60% of illnesses from gulf water oysters occur during the 4 months of summer (May-Aug) and the other 40% occur during the other 8 months (Sep-Apr). The chances of getting a foodborne illness from gulf coast oysters greatly decreases during the months of Sep-Apr but the risk is still there.
Anyone without a compromised immune system can eat oysters from anywhere anytime of the year. Those of us with compromised immune systems are at risk from gulf coast oysters any time of the year and should be mindful of this.
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The old adage " only eat oysters during months with an "R" in their name" means something. The warmer temps. of the waters - the higher the bacterial counts. Just nature in action.
Still. I *DO* love them fresh - big, fat Gulf Coast oysters..... But it makes sense to be informed and consider the risks. The same would apply to under-cooked meats, and sushi I suppose.
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The old adage " only eat oysters during months with an "R" in their name" means something. The warmer temps. of the waters - the higher the bacterial counts. Just nature in action.
Still. I *DO* love them fresh - big, fat Gulf Coast oysters..... But it makes sense to be informed and consider the risks. The same would apply to undercooked meats, and sushi I suppose.
I also love those big fat Gulf Coast oysters......but with a compromised immune system it's a much higher risk to eat them raw. The following link also addresses under cooked foods for individuals with compromised immune systems, those individuals have to be careful of all undercooked foods.
This from the USDA about <a href="http://www.health.gov/dietaryguidelines/dga2005/document/html/chapter10.htm">Food Safety</a>
Considerations for Specific Population Groups
Some people may be at high risk for developing foodborne illness. These include pregnant women and their fetuses, young children, older adults, people with weakened immune systems, and individuals with certain chronic illnesses. These people should pay extra attention to food safety advice.
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I think it is always a good idea to understand the safety issues and then decide what they mean to each of us as individuals.
Obviously one should desire to err on the part of caution. Your long term health should be of greater concern than a momentary craving.
Now.....if I can follow my own advice..... ;D
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I think it is always a good idea to understand the safety issues and then decide what they mean to each of us as individuals.
Obviously one should desire to err on the part of caution. Your long term health should be of greater concern than a momentary craving.
Now.....if I can follow my own advice..... ;D
You nailed it right there, my goal is to try not be one of the statistics mentioned below.
<a href="http://www.health.gov/dietaryguidelines/dga2005/document/html/chapter10.htm">Food Safety</a>
Avoiding foods that are contaminated with harmful bacteria, viruses, parasites, toxins, and chemical and physical contaminants are vital for healthful eating. The signs and symptoms of foodborne illness range from gastrointestinal symptoms, such as upset stomach, diarrhea, fever, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and dehydration, to more severe systemic illness, such as paralysis and meningitis. It is estimated that every year about 76 million people in the United States become ill from pathogens in food; of these, about 5,000 die. Consumers can take simple measures to reduce their risk of foodborne illness, especially in the home.
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Keeping a perspective
Food acquired vibriosis 20 deaths/ year USA
Alcohols death cause about 90000/ year USA
So if I drink enough alcohol when I eat raw oysters, I will die from alcohol related causes so therefore it is safe for me to eat raw oysters. (My rationale and I am sticking to it.)
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Those that consume alcohol on a regular basis and raw oysters are at risk also according to the <a href="http://www.fda.gov/downloads/Food/FoodborneIllnessContaminants/UCM211147.pdf">FDA</a>
• People who drink alcoholic beverages (including beer and wine) regularly may be at risk for liver disease, and, as a result, at risk for serious illness or death from consuming raw oysters.
• Even drinking two to three drinks daily can contribute to the development of liver disease, which may occur without symptoms.
• Alcoholism and infections from Hepatitis can injure the liver and impair its function years before an individual begins to experience symptoms. Liver disease puts people at risk for Vibrio vulnificus infection from raw oysters. The risk of death is almost 200 times greater in those with liver disease than those without liver disease.
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Studies have shown that drinking at least 2 alcoholic drinks a day can increase your life by 5 years. If 2 drinks helps you live 5 years longer, I am never going to die.
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While I do understand your position, Cajun, I do not allow stats to influence me too much.
Take my dad, he just turned 80.
He's smoked 2-3 packs a day sic he was 18. Should be dead, right? While he does have COPD, his lungs are clear of any of the really bad stuff. He's been a, much more than, social drinker most of his life (ask Hub), and his liver is doing great.
On the down side, he's waaay overweight and doesn't get much physical activity. But, his mind is as sharp as it ever was.
Good genes, I guess (except for weight part). I hope so, anyway, because, for what it's worth, I seem to following in my father's footsteps.
As far as the oysters go, I lived on the Chesapeake Bay for 7 years. The locals tonged oysters when it was cold and fished crab pots when it was warm. So, I'll be sticking with the "R" rule. I figure if they didn't think it was worth their time to pull outta the water in May, June, July, or August, I won't be eating then either. That's why they invented Oysters Rockefeller, isn't it?
Besides, those are the months I got those great soft-shell crab sammies ! ! ! !
BD
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From the <a href="http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/alcohol/art-20044551">Mayo Clinic</a>
Health benefits of moderate alcohol use
Moderate alcohol consumption may provide some health benefits. It may:
Reduce your risk of developing and dying from heart disease
Possibly reduce your risk of ischemic stroke (when the arteries to your brain become narrowed or blocked, causing severely reduced blood flow)
Possibly reduce your risk of diabetes
Even so, the evidence about the possible health benefits of alcohol isn't certain, and alcohol may not benefit everyone who drinks.
Drink alcohol only in moderation — or not at all
The latest dietary guidelines make it clear that no one should begin drinking or drink more frequently on the basis of potential health benefits. So don't feel pressured to drink alcohol. But if you do drink alcohol and you're healthy, there's probably no need to stop as long as you drink responsibly and in moderation.
My conclusion on this is that there is no clear evidence that drinking, even 1-2 drinks a day IS a health benefit. It's all muddy water when it comes to the health benefits of consuming even moderate amounts of alcohol.
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Youre opening up the wider topic of what is healthy,and what isnt.
We are so lucky to have at our fingertips the greatest trove of knowledge ever. Once you decide to get on the health topic,you sure can learn a lot,and apply what works for you.
Been a huge eye opener for me,thats for sure.
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Youre opening up the wider topic of what is healthy,and what isnt.
We are so lucky to have at our fingertips the greatest trove of knowledge ever. Once you decide to get on the health topic,you sure can learn a lot,and apply what works for you.
Been a huge eye opener for me,thats for sure.
Amen!!!
After I was Dx with Type-II seven years ago it was a game changer for me. ;)
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Studies have shown that drinking at least 2 alcoholic drinks a day can increase your life by 5 years. If 2 drinks helps you live 5 years longer, I am never going to die.
I'm gonna work on adding about decade or so this very evening!
BD
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The deaths from driving & guns exceed oyster deaths by a factor of 200 times & I do both!
We all make decisions of risk & reward hundreds of times a day.
In the words of the song ......." I take my chances"
http://youtu.be/9kyGik7LVf8
Darn it folks there goes my driving my car while eating oysters & cleaning my gun. It saved a lot of time.
Everything that feels/tastes good kills you ???
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As long as you do not get confused about the different in the 2 "shells" involved in both guns, and oysters.... ;) ;D
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As long as you do not get confused about the different in the 2 "shells" involved in both guns, and oysters.... ;) ;D
LOL Hey I had the idea of playing golf in a thunder storm......I had the course all to myself ??? ??? ;D
Thomas Paine said it best 200+ years ago. That & a little luck & you should get by in life.
I do like raw Oyster but never eat them these days....
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I miss them too. But - I wore them out in New Orleans last spring :D
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Well knowledge is power and you learn and make decisions. As a 67 year old guy with a metal hip, I sold my motorcycle 7 years ago. Had fun, no one got hurt, and I realize I am not invulnerable. My wife liked to ride with me and I hated riding 2 up, and she gradually found it difficult to ride due to arthritis. So I quit. Been there, done that, no one got hurt.
Yeah - when I see old guys on bikes I sometimes say "why not me?" I also see old guys in wheel chairs and say "Why not me?" Will try to protect the health I have. Yes, I may do a half dozen oysters on occasion but I did get hepatitis from bad clams back in 1965. At least they said it was that - went to Jersey Shore after graduation and ate a ton of them over 3 days...
With respect to aphrodisiac values, my old boss used to say "I ate a dozen oysters last night and only 9 of them worked."
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Keeping a perspective
Food acquired vibriosis 20 deaths/ year USA
Alcohols death cause about 90000/ year USA
I should already be dead.
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Keeping a perspective
Food acquired vibriosis 20 deaths/ year USA
Alcohols death cause about 90000/ year USA
I should already be dead.
Heck, lookin' back what I've done, I shouldn't've made it to 25 ! ! !
BD
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From the <a href="http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/alcohol/art-20044551">Mayo Clinic</a>
Health benefits of moderate alcohol use
Moderate alcohol consumption may provide some health benefits. It may:
Reduce your risk of developing and dying from heart disease
Possibly reduce your risk of ischemic stroke (when the arteries to your brain become narrowed or blocked, causing severely reduced blood flow)
Possibly reduce your risk of diabetes
Even so, the evidence about the possible health benefits of alcohol isn't certain, and alcohol may not benefit everyone who drinks.
Drink alcohol only in moderation — or not at all
The latest dietary guidelines make it clear that no one should begin drinking or drink more frequently on the basis of potential health benefits. So don't feel pressured to drink alcohol. But if you do drink alcohol and you're healthy, there's probably no need to stop as long as you drink responsibly and in moderation.
My conclusion on this is that there is no clear evidence that drinking, even 1-2 drinks a day IS a health benefit. It's all muddy water when it comes to the health benefits of consuming even moderate amounts of alcohol.
You can't trust them! My doc said to cut back on the mayo.