Is it safe to eat a crab that just died the day before?

Generally speaking, it is usually not recommended to eat crabs that died the previous day. The detailed explanation is as follows:

Crabs are benthic organisms that typically feed on decaying organic matter and carry numerous bacteria and parasites in their bodies. After death, their body cells gradually decompose, and their defense mechanisms become ineffective, allowing bacteria to multiply rapidly and produce harmful substances such as histamine. These substances are difficult to completely eliminate even after high-temperature cooking. Consuming them may irritate the gastrointestinal tract, causing discomfort such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and in severe cases, may even lead to food poisoning, endangering health. Therefore, crabs that died the previous day are generally not recommended for consumption.

If live crabs are accidentally purchased and need temporary storage, they should be placed in the refrigerator's chill compartment and stored for no more than 6 hours. Before consumption, ensure the crabs are still alive and fresh. If the crabs show signs of reduced vitality or stiff limbs, they should be discarded immediately. During cooking, ensure they are thoroughly heated, and avoid eating them raw or undercooked to reduce health risks.