Can you eat a treasure crab after it's died?

It is not recommended to eat dead Dungeness crabs. Once a live Dungeness crab dies, bacteria multiply rapidly inside its body and produce harmful substances. Consuming the meat may easily cause gastrointestinal discomfort or even poisoning. Even high-temperature steaming cannot completely eliminate certain toxins. If symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, or dizziness occur after accidentally eating a dead Dungeness crab, medical attention should be sought promptly.

Dungeness crabs live in marine environments and naturally carry various bacteria on their surface and inside their bodies. After death, cellular metabolism stops and the immune system fails, allowing bacteria to proliferate rapidly under suitable temperatures. Within a short time, bacterial counts can exceed safe limits and begin breaking down the crab meat, producing toxic substances such as histamine and cadaverine.

These toxins are heat-resistant and cannot be fully destroyed by ordinary cooking methods. Ingestion may irritate the gastrointestinal tract, leading to acute gastroenteritis symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. In severe cases, symptoms of poisoning such as dizziness, fatigue, and difficulty breathing may occur, posing significant health risks.

When purchasing, choose live crabs with intact shells free of damage. Cook and consume them as soon as possible after buying. If temporary storage is needed, keep them refrigerated at 0–4°C for no more than six hours. Always ensure thorough cooking—never eat undercooked or long-stored crab meat.