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Clams are closed shut and unresponsive, are they safe to eat?

(12 Posts)
lloyd64 Mon 19-Jan-26 12:16:21

Got clams and my mom put them in the chiller with a saran wrap. I found out a day after and they are all closed shut and unresponsive. Are they safe to eat? I haven’t cooked them yet.

RosiesMawagain Mon 19-Jan-26 15:04:48

I only know about mussels.
If they open after cooking they are safe to eat, any which remain closed should be thrown away.
But why did you leave them in the fridge and not cook them while fresh? I’m assuming Saran wrap is what we call clingfilm.
I would have my doubts.

AuntieE Tue 20-Jan-26 15:10:23

I imagine any shell fish is highly dangerous if it does not open when boiled, or if it is not prepared whilst it is fresh.

Don't risk it. An infection can be so virulent that you will be dead before the ambulance reaches you.

Grantanow Tue 20-Jan-26 16:08:32

My golden rule: if it's open on arrival throw it out. If it doesn't open on cooking throw it out.

With raw live mussels I give them a feed on oatmeal in water to purge them. Throw out the water, replace by fresh for cooking.

grandMattie Tue 20-Jan-26 16:59:46

I understand that if they are open when raw, they are unsafe. The opposite is true when cooked!

dogsmother Tue 20-Jan-26 19:02:23

Well I love mussels and have eaten a lot of them. I would never try to open one if it was closed and if broken and a bit closed the same, I’d not risk it either.
I’d use the same rule for anything similar.

Aldom Tue 20-Jan-26 19:19:30

I think the clams are dead. Suffocated by being wrapped in cling film.

RosiesMawagain Tue 20-Jan-26 19:37:28

I think you may be right Allira
Shellfish that are alive and close when tapped can be stored up to seven days. This includes oysters and clams. (Mussels should only be stored up to four days).
Shellfish that cannot completely close their shells (razor clams, horse clams, and soft shell clams) can be stored for up to four days. Never store live shellfish in water or in an airtight container (they will die). You can also put the bowl of shellfish into a larger bowl with ice to keep them extra cold. Mussels, steamer clams, or razor clams can be stored up to 3 days

RosiesMawagain Tue 20-Jan-26 19:37:58

Oops sorry - Aldom ☺️

Menopauselbitch Wed 21-Jan-26 19:02:21

If raw they are meant to closed. Cook them throw away any unopened ones.

lemsip Wed 21-Jan-26 19:38:24

If in doubt throw them out!!

2507C0 Wed 21-Jan-26 21:41:48

God awful way to die, either wrapped in plastic and suffocated or boiled alive in water.