Oyster sauce is a popular condiment in many Asian cuisines, adding a savory umami kick to stir-fries, noodles and more. But some people wonder – can oyster sauce cause diarrhea if it’s gone bad?
In this article we’ll take a look at the risks and benefits of oyster sauce how it’s made, and what to do if you get sick after eating it.
Overview of Oyster Sauce
Oyster sauce originated in Cantonese cuisine in Guangdong, China. It’s made from oyster extracts and seasonings like sugar and soy sauce. The oysters are simmered until the broth caramelizes into a thick, brown sauce.
The sauce has an earthy, sweet and salty flavor that adds a wonderful richness and depth to dishes. It’s commonly used in Cantonese, Thai, Malay, and Vietnamese cooking.
While oyster sauce has many culinary benefits, there are some health risks associated with spoiled or contaminated versions. So let’s explore the key question – can oyster sauce cause diarrhea if it’s gone bad?
Can Oyster Sauce Cause Diarrhea?
Yes, consuming spoiled old or contaminated oyster sauce can potentially cause diarrhea and other foodborne illness symptoms.
Here’s why:
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Bacteria – E. coli, Salmonella, Listeria and other bacteria can grow in oyster sauce, especially if it’s not properly stored. Consuming the bacteria can lead to severe diarrhea.
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Toxins – Some bacteria release toxins that can continue to cause illness even after the bacteria are killed by cooking. These toxins can inflame the digestive tract.
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Allergens – Oyster sauce contains shellfish. Shellfish allergies affect around 2% of adults and can trigger digestive issues.
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Individual reactions – Some people’s stomachs may be sensitive to oysters and react with diarrhea.
Food Poisoning Symptoms from Oyster Sauce
If you consume oyster sauce containing any of the bacteria listed earlier, you may develop food poisoning with these common symptoms:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal cramps
- Watery diarrhea
- Fever and chills
- Fatigue and body aches
Symptoms normally start 12-72 hours after ingesting contaminated oyster sauce. The severity and duration depends on the particular bacteria, the person’s health, and the amount consumed.
In healthy individuals, symptoms typically resolve within 1-3 days. But diarrhea lasting over 3 days requires medical attention to check for dehydration or other complications.
Groups at Higher Risk for Infection
While anyone can get sick from eating bad oyster sauce, some groups have higher vulnerability:
- Young children
- Older adults
- Pregnant women
- People with weakened immune systems
These groups should take extra care to only consume oyster sauce that is fresh and properly stored. They should also avoid raw oysters which pose higher risks.
For those highly vulnerable to infection, it may be wisest to avoid oyster sauce altogether. Safer alternatives like soy sauce, mushrooms and miso can provide similar savory flavors.
How to Reduce the Risks of Oyster Sauce
To enjoy oyster sauce more safely, follow these tips:
- Check expiration dates and don’t use oyster sauce past its date
- Inspect the bottle for any bulging, leaks or damage
- Refrigerate after opening and use within 4 weeks
- Ensure oyster sauce is steaming hot when cooking
- Avoid letting sauce sit at room temperature for over 2 hours
- Don’t use oyster sauce straight from the bottle as a dip
- Have a strong immune system through rest, nutrition and fitness
Taking these precautions significantly decreases the likelihood of diarrhea and illness from oyster sauce.
The Nutritional Benefits of Oyster Sauce
Despite some risks associated with contamination, oyster sauce made from high quality ingredients also provides some nutritional benefits:
- High in vitamin B12 – Supports nerve function and energy levels
- Contains iron – Helps prevent anemia by carrying oxygen through the blood
- Rich in zinc – Boosts immunity and wound healing
- Provides omega-3 fatty acids – Reduces inflammation and heart disease risk
- Low in fat and calories – Unlike heavier cream or butter sauces
So when prepared properly, oyster sauce can be part of a healthy, well-balanced diet. The key is moderating portion sizes and avoiding contamination.
How Oyster Sauce Impacts the Environment
The production of oyster sauce does come with some environmental considerations:
- Oyster farming can harm wild ecosystems if not sustainably practiced
- Dredging for oysters damages ocean habitats
- Boating pollution from oyster fishing impacts water quality
- Oyster shells and waste contribute to ocean acidification
However, oysters raised through responsible aquaculture can actually boost biodiversity and improve water filtration. So it depends heavily on the individual farm’s practices.
Consumers can look for oyster sauce companies that specifically source from eco-friendly, sustainable oyster farms. This helps minimize the environmental footprint.
Alternatives for People Avoiding Oyster Sauce
For those avoiding oyster sauce, plenty of alternatives can mimic the savory umami flavor:
- Mushroom broth – Provides meaty texture and umami
- Soy sauce – Salty and fermented like oyster sauce
- Miso paste – Strong umami flavor works well in marinades
- Hoisin sauce – Sweet and salty like oyster sauce
- Fish sauce – Intense umami with Southeast Asian flair
- Teriyaki sauce – Sweet with a kick of umami
Vegans can stick to mushrooms, soy sauce, hoisin sauce and miso paste to avoid any animal products. People with shellfish allergies should avoid oyster sauce and fish sauce.
When to Seek Medical Care for Oyster Sauce Diarrhea
In otherwise healthy people, diarrhea from oyster sauce will usually resolve on its own within 1-3 days. Plenty of rest and hydration is key.
But you should seek medical care right away if you experience:
- Diarrhea lasting over 3 days
- Blood or pus in the stool
- Dark urine or yellow skin, which may indicate liver problems
- Fever over 101 F
- Signs of dehydration like dizziness, dry mouth, or rapid heartbeat
Rehydration drinks and possibly IV fluids may be needed for dehydration treatment. Antibiotics may also be prescribed if certain bacteria are causing a severe infection.
Can Spoiled Oyster Sauce Make You Sick? The Bottom Line
However, when fresh and stored properly, oyster sauce offers a safe and nutritious culinary ingredient. Those at higher risk may want to avoid it altogether or take extra precautions.
If diarrhea lasts over 3 days after consuming oyster sauce, seek medical help. Otherwise, get plenty of rest and fluids until symptoms run their course. Then you can get back to safely enjoying oyster sauce’s savory magic in your cooking.
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What You Need to Know
- If you eat oysters that are raw or not fully cooked, they can make you sick with Vibrio bacteria.
- Some kinds of Vibrio bacteria cause the illness vibriosis.
- There is no difference in how an oyster with Vibrio looks, smells, or tastes from any other oyster.
- Cooking oysters properly can kill Vibrio and other harmful germs.
Many people enjoy eating raw oysters. But you can get vibriosis and other foodborne illnesses if you eat oysters and other shellfish that are raw or not cooked enough.
Vibriosis is an illness caused by some kinds of Vibrio bacteria. Vibrio naturally live in coastal waters where oysters live. Because oysters feed by filtering water, Vibrio and other harmful germs can concentrate in an oyster’s tissues. If you eat raw or undercooked oysters, germs that might be in the oyster can make you sick.
CDC estimates that about 80,000 people get vibriosis—and 100 people die from it—in the United States every year. Most of these illnesses happen from May through October when water temperatures are warmer. However, you can get sick from eating raw or undercooked oysters during any month. Raw oysters from typically colder waters also can cause vibriosis.
An oyster that contains Vibrio doesn’t look, smell, or even taste different from any other oyster. You can kill Vibrio in oysters and other shellfish by cooking them properly.
Most Vibrio infections from oysters result in mild illness, including diarrhea and vomiting. However, people with a Vibrio vulnificus infection can get very sick. As many as 1 in 5 people with a Vibrio vulnificus infection die. This is because Vibrio vulnificus infection can lead to bloodstream infections, severe skin blistering, and limb amputations.
If you get vibriosis, you should tell your doctor if you recently ate or touched raw oysters or other raw shellfish or if you were in salt water or brackish water. Brackish water is a mixture of salt water and fresh water. It is often found where rivers meet the ocean.
Vibriosis can happen to anyone, but you may be more likely to get an infection or stay sick if you:
- Having liver disease, cancer, diabetes, HIV, or thalassemia in their blood
- Receive immune-suppressing therapy for the treatment of disease
- Take medicine to lower stomach acid levels
- Have had recent stomach surgery
- Are 65 years or older
Most people become infected by eating raw or undercooked shellfish, particularly oysters. Some people become infected by:
- When you swim, wade, fish, or go swimming, getting brackish or salt water in a wound
- People who cut themselves on something that has been in brackish or salt water, like a rock or pier
- Getting raw seafood juices or drippings in a wound.
If you want to lower your risk of getting sick when you eat or touch shellfish and other seafood, do these things:
- Don’t eat raw or undercooked oysters or other shellfish. Before you eat them, make sure they are fully cooked, and only order fully cooked oysters at restaurants. These germs can’t be killed by hot sauce, lemon juice, or alcohol. Some oysters are treated for safety after they are harvested. Oysters may have less Vibrio after this treatment, but it doesn’t get rid of all harmful germs.
- To keep raw seafood and its juices away from cooked seafood, keep them separate.
- If you touch raw seafood, wash your hands with soap and water.
- Avoid salty and brackish water if you have a wound, even if it’s from surgery, a piercing, or a tattoo that happened not long ago. If your wounds could touch raw seafood or raw seafood juices, or if you think you might get brackish or salt water on them, you should cover them.
- If you get salt water, brackish water, raw seafood, or raw seafood juices or drippings on an open wound or cut, wash it well with soap and water.
The one thing that you are eating that could be causing diarrhea || Main Cause of Diarrhea
FAQ
What are the side effects of oyster sauce?
What happens if you eat too much oyster sauce?
What does oyster sauce do to your body?
Can oysters upset your stomach?
Can raw oysters cause diarrhea?
Raw oysters can lead to diarrhea in some cases. Raw oysters might put you in the mood for romance, but if you’re not careful they may also put you in the bathroom.
Is apple sauce with cinnamon dangerous for diarrhoea?
Apple sauce combined with cinnamon should not be dangerous for diarrhea unless consumed in excess. Depending on how the apple sauce is made, the fiber or sugar content in excess can result in diarrhea and other gastrointestinal side effects such as stomach cramps and gas formation.
Can oysters make you sick?
Vibriosis is an illness caused by some kinds of Vibrio bacteria. Vibrio naturally live in coastal waters where oysters live. Because oysters feed by filtering water, Vibrio and other harmful germs can concentrate in an oyster’s tissues. If you eat raw or undercooked oysters, germs that might be in the oyster can make you sick.
Can raw oysters cause food poisoning?
Oysters linked to outbreaks of food poisoning or recalls make the news from time to time—most recently, a man in Missouri died after eating raw oysters. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises that you always cook oysters before eating them to avoid foodborne illness.