The consumption of oysters, shellfish and certain types of meat requires following safety guidelines because these foods can harbor flesh-eating bacteria. You should purchase seafood and meats from authorised suppliers, who maintain rigorous safety protocols. Check the origin of your oysters from approved waters, and verify their shells remain closed while maintaining a fresh smell. The most effective method to minimise risk involves cooking shellfish and meats until they reach their recommended internal temperatures (oysters need to reach 145°F or 63°C). People who have weakened immune systems, liver diseases or chronic illnesses, must completely avoid eating raw or undercooked shellfish.
References
Contaminated oysters spread fatal flesh-eating bacteria in two states, Fox News, 2025.
https://www.foxnews.com/health/contaminated-oysters-spread-fatal-flesh-eating-bacteria-two-states
Flesh-eating bacteria cases are rising. Climate change is to blame, CNN, 2025.
https://www.cnn.com/2025/08/27/us/flesh-eating-bacteria-climate-change
About Vibrio Infection, CDC, 2024.
https://www.cdc.gov/vibrio/about/index.html
Necrotizing Fasciitis (Flesh-Eating Bacteria), WebMD.
https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/necrotizing-fasciitis-flesh-eating-bacteria
Necrotizing Fasciitis (Flesh-Eating Disease), Cleveland Clinic, 2025.
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/23103-necrotizing-fasciitis
Truth About Flesh Eating Bacteria, Eastern Coastal States Georgia Association, 2025.
Disclaimer: This article is informational only and not a substitute for medical advice
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