Why do people say shellfish can be dangerous to eat?

Answer 1

1. some shellfish carry bacteria, such as vibrio vulnificus. The result of ingestin this bacteria is potentially fatal hepatitis
2. some shellfish carry tetrodotoxin, which paralyzes muscles and is potentially deadly
3. shellfish can also accumulate metallic toxins, such as mercury and lead

Answer 2

As a nurse, we ask all of our patients, when reviewing allergies, if they are allergic to shellfish or iodine. Shellfish can have a rather high content of iodine, thus posing a threat to those that are allergic to it. This is the most common reason that I am aware of that people consider shellfish dangerous to eat.

Answer 3

Because some people are alergic to shellfish. I have a friend who has a toxic alergy to iodine, which is in all saltwater seafood. He took a bite of some dip that contained crab meat, and woke up the hospital 3 days later.

Also, you don't want to eat "bad" shellfish, else you wish you were dead. Clams/muscles/oysters/lobster and crab should always be alive when you cook them.

Answer 4

Some people are allergic to the iodine that's in it. And it can be contaminated by things in the water.

Answer 5

Because u have to make sure its really dead, because if its still alive, it can sting u.