Does Eating Shrimp Make You Poop? The Scoop on Shrimp and Poop

Shrimp is one of those divisive foods that people tend to love or hate The sweet, briny flavor makes shrimp a popular menu item in restaurants and a go-to protein for home cooks But shrimp has a dirty little secret – that black vein running along its back is actually the shrimp’s digestive tract, aka its poop.

We need to know if eating shrimp poop makes you go to the bathroom or if it causes diarrhea or other digestive problems. I chose to look into this important question. Here’s the scoop on shrimp and poop.

What is That Black Vein in Shrimp?

Let’s start by identifying what that weird black line actually is Shrimp are bottom feeders that scavenge for food on the ocean floor They eat things like plankton, algae, aquatic worms and larvae. All this muddy ocean debris gets filtered through the shrimp’s digestive system which runs along its back from head to tail.

This black “vein” or “tract” is made up of the shrimp’s stomach and intestines. It contains partly digested food particles and waste. So in simple terms, yes the black stuff in shrimp is essentially its poop.

Other names for the shrimp poop line

• Dorsal tract
• Intestinal vein
• Digestive tract
• Back vein
• Sand vein

Since we know the black vein is shrimp waste, is it still safe to eat?

Is Eating Shrimp Poop Dangerous?

The consensus among food safety experts is that eating shrimp poop won’t make you sick as long as the shrimp is fully cooked.

Shrimp naturally contain bacteria like E. coli. Thorough cooking to an internal temperature of 145°F destroys any potentially harmful pathogens.

So eating the poop itself is not a health risk if the shrimp meat is cooked through. Raw or undercooked shrimp is where food poisoning risks come into play.

As long as you properly steam, grill, bake or fry your shrimp, the poop will not contain anything that can make you sick. It’s perfectly safe to consume once the shrimp reaches the proper internal temperature.

Does Shrimp Make You Poopy?

Okay so the shrimp poop itself is not going to cause food poisoning or stomach issues if fully cooked. But can eating shrimp make you have to poop? Does consuming shrimp lead to diarrhea or loose stools?

The answer is sometimes. Here are a few reasons why shrimp may make some people poop:

• Allergic reaction – Shellfish allergies are common, with shrimp being one of the top triggers. An allergic response may cause digestive distress like diarrhea, vomiting or cramping.

• Contamination – Poor handling practices could lead to contamination with bacteria, viruses or parasites which can cause diarrhea. Proper cooking typically kills contamination but there’s always a risk.

• Individual sensitivity – Some people’s digestive systems react to shrimp with loose stools or urgency to poop. The high protein and fat content may be hard for sensitive systems to digest.

• Added ingredients – Certain marinades, breadings or cooking oils may irritate the digestive tract or cause diarrhea in sensitive individuals.

So while shrimp itself does not directly cause diarrhea, allergies, contamination or other additives may lead to bathroom issues for some people when consuming shrimp.

If you experience diarrhea or urgent pooping after eating shrimp, try eliminating it from your diet for a few weeks then reintroducing. This can help determine if shrimp is the culprit.

Tips for Handling and Cooking Shrimp

To minimize any risk of foodborne illness, here are some tips for safely handling and preparing shrimp:

• Purchase shrimp from reputable sellers and check freshness/quality. Avoid if shrimp smells unpleasant.

• Store shrimp in the coldest part of your fridge at 40°F or below and use within 1-2 days. Frozen shrimp is best within 3-6 months.

• Thaw frozen shrimp in the fridge overnight vs. on the counter to prevent bacterial growth.

• Wash hands and prep surfaces thoroughly before and after handling raw shrimp. Avoid cross-contamination.

• Cook shrimp until opaque and firm with an internal temp of 145°F. Shrimp will turn pink when cooked through.

• Consume leftover shrimp within 3-4 days and reheat fully to 165°F. Discard if it smells or looks off.

Following basic food safety practices will help prevent any stomach issues from shrimp. It’s also wise to stay hydrated and eat some probiotic-rich foods like yogurt when enjoying shrimp.

Do You Have to Remove the Poop Vein from Shrimp?

Okay so we’ve established thoroughly cooked shrimp poop won’t make you sick. But some people are still grossed out by the idea of eating it. So do you have to remove the black vein when cooking shrimp at home?

The short answer is no, you don’t have to remove the digestive tract. It’s really a personal preference. Here are some pros and cons:

Pros of removing the vein:

• Eliminates any potential grittiness from sand/debris
• More visually appealing with vein removed
• Some people think it tastes better without the vein

Cons of removing the vein:

• Time consuming and fiddly
• Easy to mangle shrimp when removing vein
• Loses juiciness and meat when vein removed

Many high-end restaurants serve shrimp with the veins intact. But for home cooks who want to devein their shrimp, here are some tips:

• Use a paring knife or small scissors to cut a slit along the back
• Use tip of knife or scissor to lift out the black vein
• Rinse under cool water to remove any debris
• Do this when shrimp is raw for easy removal

I don’t bother removing the veins for home cooking. But if it grosses you out, take the time to devein them for peace of mind!

The Bottom Line on Shrimp Poop

• The black vein is the shrimp’s digestive tract but poses no health risks when fully cooked
• Allergies, contamination or individual sensitivity may cause diarrhea in some people after eating shrimp
• Cook shrimp properly to an internal temperature of 145°F to kill any bacteria present
• Removing the vein is optional and comes down to personal preference

While the idea of eating shrimp poop may not be super appetizing, cooking shrimp properly renders it totally safe for consumption. The poop itself will not lead to stomach issues, but allergies or contamination could. Hopefully this article helped explain exactly how shrimp and poop are related!