SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/fish-months-with-r

Is it true that shellfish are safe in months with the letter R?

No, they can be toxic any time.

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  1. No, toxins can occur in any month ✔
  2. Yes, safe in all R months
  3. Yes, unsafe in all R months

Why: DOH says shellfish can be toxic or safe at any time of year. The rule dates to a 1719 New Jersey law about spoilage before refrigeration.

Huh, didn't know that: Toxic shellfish look, taste and smell the same as safe shellfish.

The dad joke
Why did the oyster ignore the calendar? Every month is pearl season.
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References

Answer: No, toxins can occur in any month. DOH says shellfish can be toxic or safe at any time of year. The rule dates to a 1719 New Jersey law about spoilage before refrigeration.

  1. Washington DOH Biotoxins: Myths and Misconceptions doh.wa.gov/community-and-environment/shellfish/recreational-shellfish/illnesses/biotoxins/myths-and-misconceptions
    Shellfish can be toxic (or safe) at any time of the year.
    Checked 2026-10-10.
  2. Washington DOH Biotoxins: Myths and Misconceptions doh.wa.gov/community-and-environment/shellfish/recreational-shellfish/illnesses/biotoxins/myths-and-misconceptions
    first enacted in 1719 by the legislature in New Jersey
    Checked 2026-10-10.
  3. Washington DOH Marine Biotoxins doh.wa.gov/community-and-environment/shellfish/recreational-shellfish/illnesses/biotoxins
    Toxic shellfish look, taste, and smell the same as safe shellfish.
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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