To reduce the chance of contracting gastroenteritis, or possibly even more serious diseases like typhoid or hepatitis, take care to collect quahogs only from approved areas. Warning signs are posted in areas that are closed due to pollution, but vandals sometimes remove the signs. However, many places, classified as special shellfish management areas, have lower catch limits and, in some cases, specific opening and closing dates. These include all the coastal ponds, Greenwich Bay, upper Narragansett Bay, and many other areas. In some parts of New England, it is also important to watch for shellfishing closures due to red tides.
Shellfish taken from a red tide area can contain a toxin that causes paralytic shellfish poisoning.
The toxin is not destroyed by cooking. However, no occurrences of red tide have been recorded in Narragansett Bay. It's easier to dig for them at low tide. Digging your own quahogs requires little or no equipment. A clam rake resembles a garden rake, but the tines are longer and the handle is shorter.