can you eat prawns raw

It is possible to eat prawns raw, but it carries significant food safety risks. Raw prawns can harbor harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites, such as Vibrio bacteria, which can cause food poisoning and serious illness. To safely eat raw prawns, one must use only "sushi-grade" prawns that have been carefully sourced from trusted suppliers with proper handling and storage to minimize contamination risks. These prawns are often frozen according to specific guidelines to kill parasites before consumption. Proper refrigeration and immediate consumption after purchase are also critical. However, eating raw prawns is generally not recommended unless following strict food safety practices, and it is especially important for vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, children, elderly, or immunocompromised individuals to avoid raw seafood altogether. In summary, while you can eat raw prawns if they are sushi-grade and handled properly, it is safer to cook them to eliminate the risk of foodborne illness.