Killing Enteroviruses in Shellfish

[Never Give Up]

I read where Dr. Chia says that enteroviruses can be found in shellfish, any idea how to make sure that they are dead before you eat the shellfish?

 

[alex3619]

Cook them thoroughly. Raw seafood of any kind is a problem. Many parasites will be killed by pickling in lime juice, but I wouldn't risk that with a virus.

Most seafood has parasites. Not all can infect humans however. Its better to cook seafood. Places where eating raw fish is customary often has a high population of people with parasites. Lime juice is a traditional way of dealing with this, but I am unsure that the acid is sufficient. Heat permeates through any well cooked food. Viruses are vulnerable to heat.

 

[Never Give Up]

Cook them thoroughly. Raw seafood of any kind is a problem. Many parasites will be killed by pickling in lime juice, but I wouldn't risk that with a virus.

Most seafood has parasites. Not all can infect humans however. Its better to cook seafood. Places where eating raw fish is customary often has a high population of people with parasites. Lime juice is a traditional way of dealing with this, but I am unsure that the acid is sufficient. Heat permeates through any well cooked food. Viruses are vulnerable to heat.

How then do we define cooking them thoroughly?

 

[alex3619]

Use a food thermometer if in doubt. I am not sure the recommended temperature for seafood though, you might need to run a search. Most seafood however changes colour and consistency when cooked.

 

[WillowJ]

How then do we define cooking them thoroughly?

you may wish to consult a guideline such as
http://www.clemson.edu/extension/hgic/food/food_safety/handling/hgic3482.html
http://www.foodsafety.wsu.edu/consumers/faq3.htm