When preparing shrimp, you might have noticed a thin black line running along its back. Commonly called a “vein,” this line is actually the shrimp’s intestine and can contain sand, debris, or undigested food. While many cooks choose to remove it for aesthetic and flavor reasons, the real question is—what happens if you don’t? Surprisingly, eating it isn’t dangerous.

As long as the shrimp is properly cooked, any bacteria present would be eliminated by heat. But that gritty texture or bitter flavor it sometimes adds? That’s why some people prefer to take the extra step of removing it—especially when it comes to certain dishes where presentation and taste really matter…