No, it is not safe to eat clams that are open a bit before cooking. When you purchase clams or any other shellfish, they should be alive and tightly closed. An open clam indicates that it is no longer alive, and it is not safe to consume.
Live clams are essential for food safety because they are still fresh and safe to eat. The shell of a live clam will close tightly when tapped or lightly squeezed. If a clam remains open and does not close when prompted, it means the clam is dead and should be discarded.
Eating dead or spoiled clams can lead to foodborne illnesses and can be dangerous to your health. Consuming shellfish that has gone bad can cause symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps.
Always ensure that the clams you are using in your recipes are alive and close tightly before cooking. If you come across any clams that are open and do not close, it's best to discard them to avoid any risk of food poisoning.