How to tell if shell-on shrimp is bad?

Eating contaminated shrimp may cause poisoning. It can be caused by toxins produced by algae, allergenic proteins in shrimp, or harmful bacteria like Vibrio. Symptoms range from gastrointestinal problems to severe reactions such as paralysis or respiratory failure. To prevent poisoning, it is important to purchase shrimp from a reputable supplier, cook it thoroughly and handle it safely. People with shellfish allergies should avoid shrimp altogether. If symptoms occur, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Rotten shrimp smell

Check the smell

Using your senses is the best way to tell if the shrimp is okay. ‌‌ Smell the shrimp first. The smell of shrimp cannot be detected in the plastic packaging it comes in, so it is safer to buy fresh shrimp at the supermarket counter or from a fishmonger.

Fresh shrimp should have no smell and smell slightly salty, like sea water. If the shrimp smells like ammonia or generally smells a little "stinky," don't buy it. The ammonia smell or "off-odor" is caused by the growth of bacteria in spoiled shrimp .

Shell appearance

Also make sure the casing is sturdy and shiny. If the shells are broken and slick or slimy, the shrimp may be spoiled and should not be purchased. Again, it's easier to check this by looking directly at fresh loose shrimp rather than prepackaged shrimp.

Make sure the heads and shells of the shrimp are not discolored. If you buy raw shrimp, they should be white and slightly translucent. If you buy cooked shrimp, they should be pink. Bad shrimp will look discolored, and this discoloration may indicate that the meat has gone bad.

Also, look to see if the shells are yellowish or gritty. This may indicate that chemicals such as sodium bisulfate have been used to bleach the shells. The chemical may be used to mask the fact that the shrimp are old.