Can you eat a dead river crab?
Disease description:
I bought quite a few river crabs, but some of them died. I really want to ask, are river crabs safe to eat after they die?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Yang Ziqi
After a river crab dies, its body may produce a large number of bacteria and toxins. If the crab has been dead for a prolonged period, these harmful substances multiply rapidly. Consuming dead river crabs may lead to food poisoning, with symptoms including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In severe cases, it can even be life-threatening. For food safety and health considerations, it is not recommended to eat dead river crabs. When purchasing river crabs, one should choose live ones to ensure freshness. River crabs should be thoroughly cooked, as high temperatures can kill most potentially present bacteria. Additionally, if river crabs are stored in the refrigerator, they should be consumed within 48 hours to ensure optimal taste and safety. If a river crab has an unusual odor or abnormal coloration, it should be discarded immediately—do not risk consumption.
