Sushi lovers and serious foodies tend to be adventurous when it comes to seafood. Oily fish like salmon is a healthy option for just about everyone. Its rich in protein and healthy fats, as well as vitamins like selenium. But what about raw salmon? Is it worth it? Lets find out.
Raw or undercooked salmon can be contaminated with bacteria, parasites, and other disease-causing agents. For this reason, the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) recommends cooking all seafood until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
Who Can’t Eat Raw Salmon?
Raw salmon isnt for everyone. Consuming raw fish is more likely to cause serious foodborne illness in certain groups of people including pregnant women, children, older adults and those with weakened immune systems. Your immune system may be compromised if you have been diagnosed or treated for cancer, HIV, liver disease, diabetes or an organ transplant.
Here is a list of foods you should never eat raw.
Can You Eat Raw Salmon?
Yes, salmon is a food that you can eat raw. However, its not safe for everyone, and there are some risks to consider first.
Raw salmon may contain bacteria, parasites and other types of pathogens or germs. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has listed salmon as a known source of parasites. Parasites are organisms that live on a live host (like a person) and get their food from the host.
Wild salmon caught near Alaska and Japan is at risk of carrying a type of tapeworm. This parasite lives in the small intestine and can grow to over 30 feet long! *shudder*
Raw salmon may also contain salmonella, shigella, E. coli, hepatitis A and norovirus.
Another risk to keep in mind has to do with environmental pollutants. Raw salmon may contain trace amounts of persistent organic pollutants (POPs), as well as heavy metals and other toxic chemicals. Exposure to POPs has been linked with an increased risk of cancer, birth defects and immune disorders.
Cooking salmon lowers most of these risks. Many foodborne illnesses are usually not an issue in cooked salmon because cooking the fish to 145°F (63°C) kills parasites and bacteria. Cooking salmon also lowers the levels of POPs by 26 percent.
What Types Of Fresh and Frozen Salmon Can You Eat Raw? Walmart? Whole Foods?
FAQ
Is it safe to eat raw salmon fillet?
Can I eat raw salmon from the grocery store?
Can you eat salmon fillet slightly raw?
Why can I eat raw salmon but not cooked?
Can you eat salmon raw?
Provided you get your salmon from a reputable source that follows health regulations very strictly and stores their fish properly, you can absolutely eat salmon raw. When it comes to cooking in general, there is a lot of fear of eating raw food. Arguably the biggest exception to this is raw fish.
Is eating salmon everyday good or bad for consumption?
Eating salmon every day could be good or bad depending on the person. Salmon is a fish with a high content of polyunsaturated fats and omega 3 with benefits for cardiovascular health. Therefore, its daily consumption would be healthy in most cases, except if raw salmon or with added salt.
Can you eat cooked salmon?
Cooked salmon is far too hot. Undercooked salmon is a frickin’ breeding ground where every bite turns into a game of toilet-bowl roulette for future you. It’s best to avoid eating it. Who CAN’T eat raw salmon?
How long can you eat raw salmon?
If stored in the fridge inside an airtight container, raw salmon will be fine for up to 4 days. To extend this, either place your salmon on a bed of ice in the fridge or freeze it. Is salmon safe to eat raw?