Consuming Shrimp with an Ammonia Smell – Is it Safe?

Shrimp is one of the most popular seafood options around. But no one wants to bite into shrimp that smells like ammonia! So what actually happens if you eat shrimp with that pungent odor? Let’s dig into the details.

Why Does Shrimp Smell Like Ammonia?

First where does that ammonia odor come from?

As shrimp starts to spoil the protein breaks down into simpler compounds. One of these compounds is ammonia which produces the harsh chemical smell.

The shrimp may smell ammonia-like right from the store or develop the odor after a few days in the fridge. Either way, the smell means the shrimp is past its prime.

So an ammonia scent doesn’t automatically make the shrimp unsafe. But it does mean quality is deteriorating and the shelf life is ending.

Potential Health Effects of Eating Ammonia-Scented Shrimp

While not definitively dangerous, eating shrimp with an ammonia odor does come with potential health risks:

• Nausea and vomiting – The overwhelming ammonia smell itself may trigger nausea. And if the shrimp contains bacteria or toxins, it can lead to vomiting as well.

• Food poisoning – As shrimp spoils, levels of bacteria and histamine increase. Histamine is the compound that causes scombroid poisoning. The effects include facial flushing, headache, and gastrointestinal distress.

• Stomach pains – Both the spoiled shrimp itself and any bacteria or toxins it contains can lead to stomach cramps and discomfort

• Diarrhea – Food poisoning from bacteria or toxins can also result in loose stools or diarrhea. Vomiting and diarrhea lead to fluid loss, which is especially dangerous for vulnerable groups like children and the elderly.

So while a small taste of stinky shrimp may sometimes be harmless, consuming a full portion is risky. The odor itself indicates the shrimp is past its prime and may harbor dangerous compounds.

How to Tell If Shrimp Has Gone Bad

Aside from the ammonia smell, here are some other signs that shrimp is spoiled and unsafe to eat:

• Unpleasant fishy, sour, or rotten odor
• Slimy or mushy texture
• Discoloration and unnatural colors like blue, yellow, or green
• Mold or slime on the surface
• White spots on shells or flesh

Trust your senses – if it smells or looks bad, don’t eat it!

Proper Shrimp Storage to Avoid Spoilage

To keep shrimp fresh and delay spoilage, proper storage is key:

• Keep raw shrimp chilled below 40°F, ideally around 35-38°F.
• Place shrimp in a container or bag to prevent cross-contamination with other foods.
• Use fresh, raw shrimp within 1-2 days of purchasing for best quality. Frozen shrimp keeps 9-12 months.
• When thawing frozen shrimp, do it overnight in the fridge, never on the counter.
• Cooked shrimp leftovers should be eaten within 3-4 days and reheated to 165°F.

With proper handling, you can maximize shrimp’s shelf life and avoid premature spoilage.

What to Do if You’ve Eaten Bad Shrimp

If you eat shrimp with an ammonia or rotten smell, here are important steps to take:

• Stop eating – If you notice a bad smell or taste mid-bite, spit out the shrimp and discontinue eating. The less you consume, the lower your risk of illness.

• Monitor symptoms – Be alert for signs of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pains over the next 24 hours. Mark down when symptoms start and report them to your doctor.

• Stay hydrated – Drink plenty of fluids like water, diluted juices, or electrolyte beverages. This prevents dehydration from vomiting/diarrhea.

• Call your doctor – If symptoms persist more than 1-2 days or if you have underlying health conditions, call your doctor. They may advise lab tests or prescribe medications.

• Write down details – Document when and where you purchased the shrimp. This info helps health authorities identify contaminated products and prevent additional illnesses.

While an unpleasant shrimp experience, acting quickly helps mitigate any health impacts. Be vigilant with monitoring symptoms and contacting a healthcare provider if needed.

Can You Eliminate the Ammonia Smell from Bad Shrimp?

If you buy a pack of shrimp that smells like ammonia, is there anything you can do to make it edible again? Unfortunately, no.

Once shrimp has reached the point of emitting an ammonia odor, it cannot be rehabilitated. The protein structures have already broken down. No amount of cleaning will remove built-up bacteria or toxins either.

To avoid wasting money on inedible shrimp, it’s essential to select fresh, odor-free shrimp at the store. Checking labels for harvest dates and taking a good whiff before purchasing can prevent disappointment down the road.

Ammonia-Like Smell but Shrimp Looks Okay – Is it Safe?

Sometimes shrimp may have an ammonia or chemical odor but still looks relatively normal – decent color, firm flesh. Is it then okay to eat if there are no visible signs of spoilage?

It’s still best to avoid eating ammonia-smelling shrimp, even if the visual cues seem alright. The unpleasant scent indicates the decomposition process has begun. Bacteria are likely proliferating, even if outward changes aren’t yet apparent.

When in doubt, remember this simple rule – if it smells funky, toss it out. The upfront cost of discarded shrimp is minor compared to the misery and medical bills food poisoning can bring.

Cooking Ammonia-Scented Shrimp – Does Heat Make It Safe?

What if you cooked ammonia-smelling shrimp thoroughly – would that kill any bacteria present and make it safe to eat?

It’s risky to assume cooking will decontaminate spoiled shrimp. While heat kills some bacteria, certain toxins can withstand cooking temperatures. And cooking doesn’t remove the decomposed protein that causes the ammonia odor in the first place.

Additionally, scombroid poisoning can actually intensify with cooking due to heat converting histidine into histamine.

For these reasons, cooking cannot salvage shrimp that smells like ammonia. Always start with the highest quality ingredients to avoid foodborne illness risks.

How to Prevent Ammonia Smell with Proper Shrimp Handling

Through proper selection, storage, and handling, you can prevent shrimp from developing that dreaded ammonia odor:

• Inspect packaging – Choose frozen or fresh shrimp without signs of moisture or damage.

• Check sell-by dates – Opt for shrimp with the furthest from the sell-by date for maximum freshness.

• Store properly – Keep shrimp chilled below 40°F. Don’t allow repeated temperature fluctuations.

• Contain odors – Separate shrimp from onions, fish, and other pungent foods.

• Use quickly – Cook fresh shrimp within 1-2 days or freeze for extended storage.

• Thaw safely – Thaw frozen shrimp overnight in the fridge, not on the counter.

Following basic food safety principles keeps shrimp fresh and delicious. Taking shortcuts heightens the risk of ammonia odors down the line.

When in Doubt, Throw it Out!

While shrimp is a tasty and healthy seafood option, it requires caution once smells or colors seem off. The bottom line? If your shrimp has an ammonia or chemical scent, play it safe and toss it out.

Consuming spoiled shrimp with bacteria and decomposing proteins risks severe gastrointestinal illness. And no amount of washing, masking, or cooking can redeem shrimp that has reached the ammonia odor stage.

Prevention is the best approach. But if those shrimp have gone rogue, cut your losses. Protecting your health is worth far more than saving a few bucks on questionable shrimp!