There was a long discussion on this topic a few months back. In summary, oysters are fully edible all year. The R thing dates back to prerefrigeration days, so they would get kinda skunky sitting around in the r months (May, June, July, August-how convenient!). No more is this a concern with modern transportation and refrigeration! :clap_1: Now, as far as hepatitis goes, the beds are regulated religiously and closed if there is a spike in coliform bacteria. That said, even if you consumed a 'bad oyster' and went on to develop hepatitis, it would be hepatitis A, which to people with healthy immune systems and livers is a miserable self-limited gastrointestinal condition with no long term issues. The trick is people with other forms of hepatitis (B,C,D, etc) should avoid raw shellfish as contracting Hep A can really deliver a wicked punch to the liver. That is why all people with Hep B should receive the Hep A vaccine. And in case you didn't know, all of the kids are getting both of these now :clap_1: :clap_1: There is also some buzz regarding a bacteria, Vibrio vulnificus, that strikes down people who consume raw oysters, but this is a really rare event and as with hepatitis is usually only a severe issue for immunocompromised induviduals. So, eat raw oysters I say, they are delicious, full of nutrients, safe and a great little economic boost for the local economy!
