Pacific Coast Oysters, Louisiana Oysters, and Food Safety
A plate full of raw oysters is a delicious treat for discriminating diners. But that treat can be risky too, if contaminated with the Vibrio vulnificus bacteria, relative of V. cholerae, which causes cholera, or Karenia brevis, a microscopic marine algae that causes “red tide.” The algae that causes red tide is clearly visible and occurs irregularly, however the V. vulnificus bacteria is invisible and can be persistent.
