Is it safe to eat mussels straight from the sea?

It is not safe to eat mussels straight from the sea. Mussels are filter feeders, meaning they eat by filtering water through their gills. This makes them susceptible to concentrating toxins and bacteria in their tissues. Some of these toxins can be harmful to humans, causing symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Additionally, mussels may be contaminated with bacteria such as E. coli and Vibrio, which can cause serious illnesses. Therefore, it is important to cook mussels thoroughly before eating them to reduce the risk of foodborne illness.