What are the health risks associated with consuming crayfish?

May 26, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Shen Yonghua
Introduction
If the source of the crayfish is unclear or they have not been thoroughly cleaned and cooked at high temperatures, they may carry parasites or pathogens. Consumption may lead to parasitic infection and affect health. If the water where crayfish grow is contaminated, they may accumulate heavy metals such as lead and mercury. Long-term consumption of such crayfish may damage organs such as the liver and kidneys, and may even cause chronic poisoning.

  The potential health risks of eating crayfish generally include parasitic infection, heavy metal residue, allergic reactions, indigestion, and excessive caloric intake. A detailed analysis is as follows:

  1. Parasitic infection: If the crayfish are of unknown origin or have not been thoroughly cleaned and cooked at high temperatures, they may carry parasites or pathogens. Consumption may lead to parasitic infection, which can affect health, especially with wild crayfish posing a higher risk.

  2. Heavy metal residue: Crayfish living in polluted waters may accumulate heavy metals such as lead and mercury. Long-term consumption of such crayfish may damage organs like the liver and kidneys and even cause chronic poisoning.

  3. Allergic reactions: Some individuals have an allergic predisposition to seafood. Consumption of crayfish may trigger symptoms such as rash, itching, and difficulty breathing. Allergic reactions can range from mild inconveniences to life-threatening conditions, so caution is necessary.

  4. Indigestion: Crayfish contain high levels of protein and fat. Eating excessive amounts or consuming them with heavily seasoned seasonings may burden the gastrointestinal tract, leading to symptoms of indigestion such as bloating and diarrhea, particularly affecting individuals with weaker digestive systems more severely.

  5. Excessive caloric intake: Crayfish prepared with oil-heavy and high-salt methods such as oily stewing or spicy seasoning are high in calories. Overconsumption may lead to excessive calorie intake, increasing the risk of obesity and potentially harming cardiovascular health.

  When consuming crayfish, it is important to purchase them from reputable sources and ensure they are adequately cleaned and thoroughly cooked at high temperatures. This helps avoid additional health risks caused by improper handling or overconsumption, ensuring that dietary habits align with health considerations.