Food safety
Wine and vinegar do not sanitise raw seafood
Do not use wine, vinegar or wasabi as a substitute for proper cooking. Explain the risk before serving a household recipe that calls for raw seafood.
Last reviewed: 2026-09-20
Why it matters
Alcohol, vinegar and wasabi do not reliably kill germs and parasites in raw seafood.
Wrong action
Assuming crab soaked in wine is safe without cooking.
Correct action
Do not use wine, vinegar or wasabi as a substitute for proper cooking.
What to do
- Check the cooking requirement before preparing marinated seafood.
- Do not use wine, vinegar or wasabi as a substitute for proper cooking.
- Explain the risk before serving a household recipe that calls for raw seafood.
If something happens
If someone becomes ill after eating, stop serving, keep food details and seek medical care. Call 999 for breathing difficulty, seizures or unconsciousness; do not induce vomiting.
Sources and review
- Centre for Food Safety — CFS: raw seafood and ineffective marinades
Last reviewed: 2026-09-20
This page provides general home-safety information and does not replace medical, legal, electrical, or other professional advice.