What is a primary risk associated with consuming raw shellfish?

Consuming raw shellfish carries a primary risk of viral contamination from sewage. This is particularly significant because shellfish, especially bivalves like oysters and clams, filter large volumes of water to feed. If the water is contaminated with sewage, the shellfish can absorb and retain pathogens such as viruses, including norovirus and hepatitis A. These viruses can cause serious illness in humans when the contaminated shellfish are consumed.

Eating raw shellfish can bypass cooking, which is an effective method for killing many pathogens. As a result, any viral contamination present in the shellfish remains active and poses a risk to those who consume them. This highlights the importance of sourcing seafood from clean, reputable waters and ensuring proper handling and preparation in order to minimize the risk of viral infections associated with raw shellfish consumption.