From backyard celebrations to elegant soirées, oyster bars are a beloved feature at many New Orleans events. But when it comes to serving raw or chargrilled oysters, especially in our humid Southern climate, food safety is everything. At Elysian Events Catering, we’re proud to combine culinary artistry with top-tier safety practices to provide an authentic and safe oyster experience for every guest. Read on for our expert tips on oyster catering safety, including how we source, store, and serve oysters responsibly in the Big Easy.
Food and Oyster Catering Safety in a Southern Climate
If you’re from the South, it’s likely you’ve heard an old saying about oysters: only eat them in a month that has the letter “r” in it. Reporting from The Times Picayune shows that this old saying needs a modern update. The “r” month rule dates back to a time when refrigeration was limited, and warmer temperatures made it easier for harmful bacteria to grow after oysters were harvested. But today, thanks to modern refrigeration and improved safety practices, oysters can be safely enjoyed year-round.
With our hot and humid climate, it’s particularly important for New Orleans caterers to have strict food safety protocols. At Elysian, we tailor our food safety procedures to address the unique challenges of catering in a Southern environment.
Our commitment to oyster catering safety starts the moment the delivery trucks arrive.We immediately check and record the receiving temperature of all seafood to confirm it has been kept at adequately cold temperatures during transit. We inspect delivery trucks–especially those carrying raw shellfish–to ensure they’re properly refrigerated before accepting any shipments.
Once in our hands, oysters go straight into cold storage until the moment they’re needed. On-site at your event, we monitor and document refrigeration temperatures throughout the day, paying extra attention with outdoor setups where temperatures can fluctuate quickly. Oysters are kept chilled and brought out in small batches to prevent prolonged exposure to warm air. This approach allows us to serve fresh oysters continually while minimizing the time they spend out of refrigeration.
When it’s time to set up your raw oyster bar and serve your guests, oysters are displayed cup side down on a bed of crushed ice. This helps maintain their internal temperature and preserves the natural juices inside the shell, especially important for raw oysters that are still alive. Our team replenishes the ice frequently, ensuring maximum freshness and minimum risk.
Why Local Gulf Seafood Is Safer
Local seafood is more than a preference; it’s a safety advantage. At Elysian Events Catering, we prioritize locally sourced Gulf seafood for its freshness, flavor, and compliance with rigorous U.S. safety regulations.
Unlike imported seafood, which often travels long distances and spends extended time in storage, Gulf oysters are harvested and delivered to us within a day or two. This rapid delivery helps the oysters retain their nutrients and flavor, and also reduces the risk of bacteria growth. That means your oysters haven’t spent days in transport or sat on shelves, so by the time we shuck them for your event, they’re still at peak freshness. And it shows in the taste.
The United States has some of the highest seafood safety standards in the world, with oversight at every stage from harvesting to processing. When we choose local seafood, we know exactly where it came from, how it was handled, and how recently it was harvested. That transparency is a cornerstone of oyster catering safety, and one of the many reasons we’re proud to serve premium Gulf oysters at our events.
The Risks of Eating Oysters: What You Need to Know
Oysters are a quintessential part of Louisiana’s culinary heritage, but they do carry some food safety risks, especially when served raw. As filter feeders, oysters pull in large volumes of seawater.
In addition to taking in seawater, oysters can also pull in harmful substances such as:
- Bacteria like Vibrio
- Viruses such as norovirus and hepatitis A
- Chemical contaminants and toxins.
When you eat raw oysters, there’s a higher risk, because these pathogens won’t be destroyed by the cooking process. While most people recover from oyster-related foodborne illnesses with only mild symptoms, the effects can be far more serious in higher-risk individuals. People with compromised immune systems, liver disease, or chronic illnesses face a higher risk of complications with foodborne illnesses, and may choose to skip the raw oyster bar.
Consuming raw oysters carries the risk of contracting vibriosis, an illness caused by Vibrio bacteria that naturally live in coastal waters. According to CDC estimates, vibriosis causes about 80,000 illnesses and 100 deaths in the U.S. each year. These bacteria thrive in the warmer months–precisely when raw oyster bars are most popular at outdoor events.
What makes vibriosis particularly dangerous is that contaminated oysters look, smell, and taste completely normal, making it impossible for guests to detect a problem on their own.
Cooking and Handling Oysters the Right Way
Safe oyster service isn’t just about refrigeration; it’s also about smart handling, proper cooking, and meticulous hygiene.
Here are the best practices we recommend for oyster catering safety:
- Source responsibly. We only purchase oysters from licensed and trusted suppliers. We inspect all oysters for freshness, intact shells, and any unusual odors.
- Keep them cold. Chilled oysters are stored at or below 4°C; frozen oysters at -18°C or colder.
- Prevent cross-contamination. Raw and cooked oysters are never stored or prepared side-by-side. Separate tools, surfaces, and gloves are used for each.
- Wash hands and wear gloves. Our staff washes their hands thoroughly and wears clean gloves to protect both themselves and your guests.
- Cook thoroughly when needed. When oysters are served cooked, we ensure they reach an internal temperature of 90˚C (194°F) for at least 90 seconds. For shucked oysters, we boil, fry, broil, or bake them according to recommended time and temperature standards.
While raw oysters are a delicacy, fully cooked chargrilled oysters provide a safer alternative without compromising on flavor. At Elysian, we offer both options so all of your guests can enjoy our authentic Louisiana cuisine safely and deliciously.
Our Commitment to Oyster Catering Safety
Elysian Events Catering is one of the few providers in New Orleans that specializes in oyster bar catering. With formal culinary training and a lifelong knowledge of local seafood, our team brings both professionalism and passion to every event.
We take oyster catering safety seriously. Our team follows strict, industry-standard protocols for temperature monitoring, sanitation, and safe serving practices. We believe great food should never come at the cost of your health or peace of mind.
Whether you’re planning an intimate family celebration or a large wedding reception, our team is ready to create a memorable (and safe!) oyster experience for your event that celebrates the best of New Orleans cuisine.
Delicious Accompaniments to Your Raw Oyster Bar
Oysters are often the star of the show, but a well-rounded raw bar offers variety, flavor, and flexibility for your guests. At Elysian Events Catering, our oyster bar packages can be fully customized to include a selection of savory, seafood-forward dishes.
In addition to raw oysters, we offer:
- Chargrilled Gulf oysters topped with roasted garlic, herb, and Grana Padano butter
- Jumbo Gulf shrimp cocktail served with house-made sauce
- Marinated Louisiana crab claws, accented with lemon, olive oil, shallots, and poblano pepper
- Gulf seafood ceviche with citrus-marinated shrimp and fish, jalapeño, fresh tomato, and cilantro
- Spicy corn and crab dip, a warm, creamy option that pairs beautifully with toast points or crostini.
These additional offerings make it easy to satisfy guests who may not be comfortable eating raw shellfish. And for those who do enjoy oysters on the half shell, these items add texture, color, and complementary flavors to the raw bar display.
To explore our other seafood offerings, with options ranging from Shrimp Creole to Alligator sausage, review our detailed food menus here.
Plan Your Next Event with Oysters by Elysian Events Catering
Oysters are more than just food; they’re a cultural experience. With Elysian Events Catering, your guests will enjoy the freshest oysters Louisiana has to offer, served with expert technique and unmatched attention to safety. From selecting top-tier Gulf seafood to ensuring every oyster is served at the perfect temperature, we handle the details so you can enjoy the celebration.
Contact us at (504) 541-0091 today to learn more about our oyster bar packages and how we make oyster catering safety a priority from start to finish, or fill out our online form if you’re ready to request our oyster bar at your next event.
