Health Safety Consumption Tips as Oyster Season Begins

 

Oyster-eating season is just around the corner as the chilly winter begins this month. Though it may seem like a delicious time to look forward to, there are some precautions that oyster lovers should take before and while consuming oysters throughout this season.

 

Korea’s Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries has mentioned establishing its virus management plan to promote safe shellfish consumption to consumers starting at the end of 2022 and entering 2023. This virus management plan will help prevent and manage shellfish production and distribution.

 

Shellfish such as oysters, mussels, and scallops are some of the many popular seasonal foods that reach the peak of their original taste during the winter season, especially oysters, which are known to be the best in promoting stamina, making them the most popular shellfish among gourmets across the country during the winter.

However, since these shellfish can sometimes carry certain viruses, such as noroviruses, within their flesh, they need special inspection and attention before and after ingestion.

 

According to the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety's five-year food poisoning report (2016 to 2020), several bacterial food poisoning cases, such as pathogenic E. coli and salmonella, have been reported during summer months and viral norovirus-related food poisoning during the winter. The norovirus is known to cause infection through direct and indirect contact with food contaminated with the virus, contact with infected persons, contaminated hands, and surrounding bacteria-full items.

During the winter, food poisoning prevention measures may be neglected due to cooler weather and less food spoilage; however, the norovirus can survive even at low temperatures below negative 20°C. Therefore, those who plan to eat any shellfish during the upcoming months should thoroughly cook and boil all types of shellfish before any consumption.

 

If infected, symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting can also occur, such as abdominal pain, fever, chills, and fatigue. Symptoms can usually improve within two to three days for healthy adults; however, infants, elderly, and immunodeficiency patients can lead to severe dehydration, excessive thirst, decreased urination, dry throat and mouth, sensitivity to irritation, severe headaches, and dizziness. Those who experience any of the following symptoms are encouraged to seek immediate medical treatment and attention.

 

Those diagnosed with norovirus infection should refrain from handling food and remain isolated until fully recovered. Disinfect common areas prone to pass bacteria and illnesses, such as toilets, doorknobs, and tables.