Can You Eat Slugs?
People eat slugs in some regions, usually after thorough cooking. Slugs are gastropod mollusks related to snails and have been used in traditional dishes in parts of Asia and Europe.
Raw or undercooked slugs can carry parasites, including the rat lungworm Angiostrongylus cantonensis. Infection may cause eosinophilic meningitis, with symptoms like headache, stiff neck, and nausea.
Health Risks and Safety
Cooking slugs at high temperatures kills many parasites, but risks remain if preparation is inconsistent. The CDC advises avoiding raw or undercooked slugs and snails to reduce infection risk.
Why People Consume Slugs
In some cultures, slugs are eaten for protein and traditional medicine claims. They are often added to soups or stews after being cleaned and cooked thoroughly.
For more information on food safety and parasites, see the World Health Organization guidelines on foodborne risks: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/food-safety
