Clams casino, clam chowder, no matter how you like your clams, handling is important to reduce your risk of acquiring a foodborne illness. Like most foods that come from the sea, clams are perishable and require specific temperatures to maintain freshness. If the clams that you plan to eat have been out on the counter for an extended period of time, keep in mind that the longer they sit, the riskier they become to eat.

Raw or cooked, clams that sit out for two hours or more in temperatures above 40 degrees Fahrenheit should be thrown away. Bacteria found naturally on the clams begins to multiply at dangerous levels once two hours hits, and if you eat the clams, you may become sick. In temperatures are of 90 F or above, clams won’t last more than an hour before bacteria renders the clams unsafe to eat.

Inside the refrigerator, bacteria does not die, but it does multiply at a slower pace. This buys you some time if you aren't ready to cook the clams in the immediate future or if you want to save a cooked clam dish for later. Raw clams keep for up to two days in the refrigerator, while your favorite cooked clam recipe lasts for up to three days before needing to be discarded.

If you do not have access to a refrigerator, a cooler full of ice is the next best thing. Pack the ice around the clams and keep the lid closed tightly. Refrain from opening the lid more than necessary. Keep the cooler out of direct sunlight and place a standalone refrigerator thermometer inside to help gauge the temperature. Add ice as necessary, maintaining a temperature of 40 F or below inside to cooler at all times.

The shells of raw clams should remain tightly sealed during cold storage -- a sign that the clam is still alive. Dead clams, or those with cracked shells, should be discarded and not cooked because they pose a health risk. Sometimes a clam may open his shell for a short time, closing it soon after. If you notice that a stored clam has an open shell, give it a light tap with your finger. If the shell does not close, the clam is not alive.