Is lobster meat contaminated?

Lobsters live and are caught along coastal waters and the continental shelf. These areas are especially susceptible to contamination from humans and their waste.

So the question arises, are they safe to eat or do they contain contaminants like many other shellfish?

The short answer is probably no, they don’t. Shellfish such as mussels, oysters, or clams are filter feeders. These guys suck up seawater for their food, plankton, and any contamination found in the plankton finds its way directly into their bodies. Any toxins in the water are concentrated in their meat.

However, carnivores such as lobsters, crabs, and some varieties of fish do not eat plankton from seawater, so they are safer.

Another question is about eating the tomalley of the body. Many people view the tomalley as a special delicacy. The tomalley is a soft green substance found inside the lobster’s body. It works like liver and pancreas.

However, according to a warning issued by the FDA in 2008, tomalley should be avoided as it has the potential to be contaminated with toxins that can cause paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP).

Even after cooking, the danger remains.

However, the warning did not refer to the rest of the meat. Even if the tomalley is found to contain a high level of toxins, the meat is still safe to eat.

So until more studies find other evidence to the contrary, it appears that lobster is a safe and healthy food for you and your family.