does oyster sauce have shellfish

We have been having heated debates with my workmates at the restaurant I work at, all centered on ‘does oyster sauce have shellfish?

Have you been thinking of if an oyster sauce has shellfish in it? You are not alone. At some point I even was, it is a little confusing and frustrating.

Because we are a bunch of culinary experts, we figured out these things. And thought it wise that we share with those of us still reeling in mystery.

In this article, we have it all explained. We have more serious matters revolving around oysters and shellfish addressed.

You do not want to miss reading this blog post. There is so much behind it you wouldn’t want to pass.

Of course yes, the oyster sauce has shellfish.  In fact, oysters fall under the group of shellfish known as mollusks.

Why Should You Use Oyster Sauce With Shellfish?

why use oyster sauce with shellfish

Oysters are gotten right from the sea before they are processed into their sauce.

Most people are really afraid of oysters with shellfish altogether. Foods with shellfish are avoided for the fear of health complications.

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Shellfish are categorized into two various groups. The oysters, scallops, octopus, clams, and squids are labeled as Mollusks.

And the other group are shrimps, crabs, and lobsters with a common name as Crustaceans.

Shellfish products are composed of very high amounts of heavy metals. Heavy metals pose a health risk. 

When these metals build up in your body, they are most likely predisposed to causing serious health problems like cancer and heart attacks.

Other than this, they can also be the source of food-borne illnesses such as typhoid and cholera.

And to some people, they could cause allergic reactions that vary in symptoms.

The symptoms could include vomiting and diarrhea, cramps and stomach pains, shortness of breath, throat swells, the tongue, and the lips, etc.

Is Shellfish Healthy?

shellfish healthy

So, of all water animals, only those that have fins and scales should be perfect for eating.

However, the rest are not as good as we may think they are. Crustaceans and mollusks, which make up a common group referred to as shellfish, are finless.

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And also have no scales hence they are not so much a nice meal idea.

But amidst all these fears, why should you eat oyster sauce?

Even with these dangers posed as a result of feeding shellfish millions of Americans and other people around the globe still eat the oyster sauce.

If you are not part of the group that is allergic to the oyster sauce then, you can partake.

But in this blog post, we will in the end share with you in what quantities you should.

Tip: Even though you are not allergic to shellfish products, you are not to consume them in large quantities. This is because they contain heavy metals that pose a health risk.

What Are The Risks Associated With Shellfish?

risk associated with shellfish

Shellfish are marine animals. And as mentioned before they neither have scales nor fins.

They are found in salty water bodies where they thrive well. We can not however throw to the wind the dangers associated with shellfish.

Especially when these shellfish are comprised in our diets such as the oyster sauce.

Shellfish filter water to survive by extracting minerals and proteins from it that keep them alive.

And with the pollutants released in the sea, such as oils, plastics, and mercury poisonous minerals are released.

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These poisonous minerals stick to them and are transferred to humans upon consumption.

So, below are some of the risks linked to shellfish.

Mercury And Contaminants

mercury and the contaminants

Mercury can be a very dangerous mineral especially if fed on in excess.

The health risks associated with mercury and contaminants that these shellfish pick up in the sea are very fatal.

Although Mercury tends to be safe for consumption with known health benefits. But if taken in excess, it becomes hazardous.

Mercury is even riskier to certain groups than others. Mothers who are pregnant are the first group that should avoid oyster sauce and shellfish in general.

The mercury contained in this dish may result in untimely delivery or even the death of the fetus. Young people should also avoid shellfish completely.

Note: The levels of this mercury and contaminants vary in different shellfish. This depends on their eating habits and the habitat of the sea they are in.

Allergy

the allergy

People with allergies should completely avoid shellfish. Within minutes of eating shellfish products, the shellfish allergy begins.

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These could include itching, dizziness, swelling of the skin, etc.

At times, these allergies have been observed to be life-threatening.

Over 7 million Americans are allergic to shellfish according to the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network.

These allergies cannot be healed and are prone to be passed down by family members

So, the best solution there is for allergic people is to stay away from shellfish products for good.

Note: Anyone with a history of allergies to any foods should cautiously engage in the consumption of shellfish. This is since they may still be exposed to the same danger.

Foodborne Illnesses

a foodborne illness

Contamination of marine water from which these shellfish entirely depend might result in food-borne illnesses.

These illnesses could include the Hepatitis A virus, Typhoid, Cholera, Salmonella R Coli, and the Norwalk virus.

People with underlying health conditions are at the risk of food-borne illnesses passed on by shellfish.

Tip: To be sure that you have the right shellfish that is clean, purchase it from trusted sources and cook it severely.

Fats And Cholesterols

fats and the cholesterols

Shellfish are high in fats and cholesterols. And even though shellfish are high in cholesterol, they are prescribed for people fighting to limit cholesterol in their diets.

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They are also good for the heart since they have low saturated fats.

The risks and advantages of shellfish are 50/50. So all one has to do is to feed on shellfish products responsibly. 

Those who are allergic should completely stay away from them. While those with underlying health issues should limit their intake.

Tip: The fact that shellfish are high in fats and cholesterols shouldn't make you fearful of them. This is true especially when you're eating shellfish responsibly.

Does Oyster Sauce Have Shellfish?

an oyster sauce have shellfish

For clarity purposes I’ll ask again, ‘is there shellfish in oyster sauce?’.

The answer to this question is simple, Yes there is!

Oyster sauce is made from oysters and oysters are shellfish. Oyster sauce was traditionally produced by boiling oysters in salty water then their juice would be pressed out.

However, if you look at labels for oyster sauce, you must have noticed that there is no warning inscribed on the containers.

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There is no warning to state that the oyster sauce contains shellfish.

Now, that is because very very minimal people are allergic to mollusks. 

The category in which oysters lie is unlike the crustaceans which most people are allergic to.

Therefore there is an act in the US, calling out shellfish food companies.

This act states that unless there are crustaceans, there won’t be the need to write warnings on the containers that there is shellfish in mollusk products.

Why is Oyster Sauce with Shellfish Sought After?

Why oyster sauce sought after?

Oyster sauce is what everyone needs in their kitchen. It makes stir-fries, stews, vegetables, and most other meals delicious.

Get oyster sauce to your pantry today and reignite the taste of your food.

Although it might not be indicated whether or not oyster sauce has shellfish. So make sure to read on the containers to ascertain the presence of oyster in it. 

If the sauce is comprised of other crustaceans, and you or someone else in your family are allergic to it, then drop it.  

You can then try other friendlier sources of sauce.

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Conclusion

In this brief guide, we have answered the question, ‘Does oyster sauce contain shellfish?

We have also made it clearer, that even though you will never see it inscribed on the containers, the oyster sauce has shellfish.

So, it is upon you to read the ingredients on the containers before using the sauce.

If there are crustaceans in it, then that is a red flag to allergic people.

Do not be bothered, oyster sauce is a great choice amongst other seafood options. You can proceed to partake in it, only tread with caution.

With all this knowledge passed across to you, you should be able to handle any questions thrown at you on the oyster sauce and shellfish products.

Give us feedback on how useful this blog post has been to you. We’d be more than glad to hear from you.