Is sheelfish a high risk food?

Yes, shellfish is considered a high risk food. This is because shellfish can carry harmful bacteria, such as Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Vibrio vulnificus, and Salmonella enterica. These bacteria can cause food poisoning, which can lead to serious illness and even death.

Shellfish are filter feeders, which means they eat by filtering water through their gills. This can allow them to become contaminated with bacteria and viruses from the water. Shellfish can also become contaminated through contact with sewage or other contaminated water.

Cooking shellfish properly can kill harmful bacteria, but it is important to follow safe food handling practices when preparing shellfish to reduce the risk of food poisoning. These practices include:

* Washing your hands before and after handling shellfish.

* Cooking shellfish to an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit.

* Keeping shellfish refrigerated at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below.

* Avoiding cross-contamination of shellfish with other foods.