Can dead whiteleg shrimp be eaten?

Whether dead whiteleg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) are safe to eat depends on how they have been stored.

Whiteleg shrimp are aquatic products characterized by high moisture and high protein content, making them highly susceptible to spoilage. After death, bacteria proliferate rapidly within the shrimp. If kept at room temperature for no more than two hours, dead whiteleg shrimp are generally still safe to consume. However, consumption is not recommended if they have been left at room temperature for longer than two hours, as bacterial growth during this time may cause spoilage of the flesh; ingestion could lead to gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and diarrhea. When dead whiteleg shrimp are frozen, they remain safe to eat for up to seven weeks. This is because, under the combined effects of oxidation, microbial activity, and endogenous enzymes, dead shrimp deteriorate readily—but freezing effectively inhibits bacterial growth and slows down spoilage, thereby extending their safe storage period to seven weeks.

It is advisable to purchase and consume fresh whiteleg shrimp regularly, as they provide an effective source of essential nutrients required by the body.