What months should you not eat shellfish?

The rule of thumb is to avoid shellfish during the months that do not have the letter "r" in their name. This is because shellfish tend to spawn during the warmer months, and during this process they can accumulate more bacteria and toxins. Eating shellfish during these months can increase the risk of foodborne illnesses.

The reason why shellfish accumulate more bacteria and toxins during the summer months is because the water temperature is higher. This warmer water provides a more favorable environment for bacteria to grow and multiply. Additionally, shellfish feed on plankton, and the concentration of plankton in the water is also higher during the summer months. This means that shellfish are consuming more food that is potentially contaminated with bacteria and toxins.

It is important to note that this rule of thumb is not a guarantee that shellfish will be safe to eat during the months that do have the letter "r" in their name. There can still be cases of foodborne illness associated with shellfish consumption during these months. However, the risk of illness is generally lower.

If you are concerned about eating shellfish, it is always a good idea to consult with a health care professional.