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One Bite At A Thyme OYSTERS 101 Is it safe to eat raw oysters? ... by Brenda Ruble 
Anytime you eat anything raw you take the risk of getting sick. I guess it's time to kiss those salads goodbye!!! Actually, maybe I'd better rephrase that...anytime you EAT anything-- period-- you take the risk of getting sick. According to the governmental agencies in charge, it's the "pasteurization" process that protects you from bacteria and keeps you from getting ill!!! Could this be why some suppliers are beginning to treat their oysters with a pressurization technique that destroys all of the "nasty" stuff, along with the good stuff, too? As an added benefit, at least so far as the industry is concerned, it happens to extend the shelf life of the product as well. And could this become a "standard in the industry", which means it doesn't have to be disclosed to the consumer? In order to obtain truly "raw" oysters, will you have to bypass your local supermarkets and deal directly with an oyster farm? 
If you happen to purchase some "really raw" oysters...how do you protect yourself from unwanted "unpasteurized" critters? You can freeze the oysters first for a week or so, then thaw and eat them. Not my personal choice; however it is one such option. Or you could squeeze a little lemon on them prior to consuming them...this increases the acidity in your stomach, aids in digestion and can help reduce the bacterial content of the oyster. You can also saute', boil or bake them; however, this doesn't kill everything in an oyster as technically you aren't preparing shoe leather. The most powerful tool you have to protect yourself from unhealthy bacteria is yourself. Eat only sitting down, support your digestive system, and savor every bite. For additional information on these basic health and wellness survival techniques click on the "classes" link. 
Oysters are filter feeders so it becomes vitally important that you consume only the highest quality oysters available to you. Watch the weather and try not to order oysters after a rainstorm as it stirs up the waters, putting a lot of fecal matter from other animals (deer, seals, etc) into the bays. In addition, make sure you purchase oysters from a bay that has a high quality and quantity of water flushing the system regularly.
So, by now you're probably asking, "Why in the world would anyone want to eat oysters?" For more information on this slimy glob of seagoing goodness, click on this Oysters, Nutritional Information article which addresses this sensual delight. How long do oysters last? 
Oysters usually have a pull date of 14 days on the container. However, in reality you should try to consume them within five to six days which means you want to purchase them immediately after they are shucked, directly from your local farmer.
How do you prepare oysters? 
Slip, sliding away...oysters are something you "experience" and not chomp away on...my family's favorite is oyster shooters...raw...just not wiggling! However, for those of you not quite so adventurous, do a google search on Oysters Rockefeller, oyster chowder, or pan-fried oysters. You will find an abundance of recipes to choose from.
Why, then the world's mine oyster, which I with sword will open. —William Shakespeare Meanwhile, back at the farm.... 
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