No matter what industry you work in, you probably have a workplace horror story. For most people, these kinds of stories never really break out of their work world, nor do they impact the public at large. But the restaurant industry is different. Sometimes their stories can make you nervous when dining out. Other times, they serve as helpful insider information, especially when they involve things that restaurant workers are afraid to order—like fresh oysters.
If you like raw oysters and go to a seafood restaurant known for their raw oysters, they will probably taste great. What you may not know is that it is generally recommended not to eat raw oysters. According to the CDC, the Virginia Department of Health, and even the Food Network, among others, you should only eat oysters that are cooked thoroughly.
Food service people on Reddit are generally strongly opposed to eating raw oysters. One hotel worker on Reddit said their employer banned them from eating raw oysters to minimize the risk of spreading illness to customers. Another Reddit user said in a separate post that hundreds of people in the city where he works had contracted norovirus from eating oysters, then bizarrely claimed that the risk was worth it. Elsewhere, a former chef on Reddit said they would only order oysters from places that specialize in them.
Read more: 8 items to avoid ordering at McDonald’s
Avoid Vibrio etc.
A bowl of chilled raw oysters with lemon in the center – Plateresca/Getty Images
In 2025, six people died after eating oysters harvested in Louisiana that were infected with a strain of Vibrio carnosus. There is no way to tell if an oyster is infected with Vibrio. They don’t smell, look or taste any different. So you can’t assume that high-end restaurants or even restaurants with fresher products are safer. Nothing to do with this. While bacteria levels in certain months are generally considered not dangerous, there is no safer time of year to eat oysters.
Raw oysters can also be contaminated with salmonella. In 2022, there was a sizeable norovirus outbreak associated with raw oysters. They have even been responsible for past outbreaks of hepatitis A and giardia. You can reduce your risk of these diseases by avoiding oysters that have cracked or open shells, cloudy liquor, or a distinct fishy smell.
We were introduced to dishes that the restaurant staff had never ordered in the past, with oysters being at the top of the list. In fact, risks are always there, so as a diner, how do you choose? After all, any food carries an inherent risk of causing foodborne illness. A restaurant that specializes in oysters and has access to fresh produce may be less risky than an outback buffet. But even the best cooks can’t stop the bacteria already present in the oysters, like Vibrio.
Avoid eating them raw and choose cooked foods. We have a great recipe for Oysters Rockefeller , or you can even fry them up for a delicious po’boy sandwich with a simple upgrade. It never hurts to eat delicious and safe foods.
Want to know more about food? Sign up for our free newsletter and we’ll help thousands of foodies like you become culinary masters, one email at a time. You can also add us as your preferred search source on Google.
Read the original article on Tasting Table.
