Christmas Prawns Sales Surge as Experts Warn on Seafood Safety
As Christmas approaches, seafood sales are booming, but experts urge caution to ensure safe consumption of prawns and other seafood.
Sydney, Australia, Seafood, Prawns, Christmas, Food Safety
Sydney: With Christmas just around the corner, seafood shops are buzzing with activity. People are rushing to grab their favorite ocean treats for the big day. But hold on! Experts are reminding everyone to keep seafood safe to eat to avoid any holiday food mishaps.
At the Sydney Fish Market, it’s a real frenzy. They’re expecting to sell a whopping 120 tonnes of prawns in just 36 hours! That’s about 55 kilos every minute. Crazy, right? Plus, they’ll be selling around 70,000 dozen oysters. Talk about a seafood feast!
Adam Mourad, the Chief Commercial Officer at the market, says this season has been fantastic for seafood sales. He’s optimistic that they’ll hit near-record levels this year. But once you’ve got your prawns and oysters, it’s crucial to get them home quickly and keep them cool.
“You want to minimize the time seafood spends at high temperatures,” he advises. So, if you’re out shopping, make sure to grab your seafood last and transport it in a cooler or with ice packs. Nobody wants to deal with spoiled seafood, especially in the summer heat!
Julian Cox, a food microbiology expert, echoes this advice. He warns against leaving seafood in a hot car while you run errands. If you notice any bad smells or see grey, slimy prawns, it’s best to steer clear. And remember, oysters should be tightly closed when you buy them.
Despite the challenges of past years, like heavy rains and bushfires, this Christmas is looking bright for seafood lovers. The supply of Sydney rock oysters is the best it’s been in a decade, and prawns are plentiful from Queensland and northern NSW.
So, if you’re planning a seafood spread this Christmas, you’re in luck! Just remember to keep it cool and enjoy your festive feast safely.