Is It Safe to Eat Undercooked Salmon? (2024)

by Kyle Lee

Raw and undercooked salmon - sashimi is one of my favorite ways of seating salmon. Also a must have when eating out at a sushi restaurant. However when preparing and eating undercooked salmon at home, it’s easy to wonder if it’s safe to eat the salmon. The CDC states that if you eat salmon that's raw or undercooked, you’re putting yourself at rick for foodborne illnesses. Through this article we’ll be adressing all of these issues as well as showing you what undercooked salmon looks like.

Is it Safe to Eat Undercooked Salmon?

No, it is not safe to eat undercooked salmon. Eating raw or undercooked salmon can put you at risk of contracting foodborne illnesses, such as salmonellosis, norovirus, and Vibrio infections.

Salmonella is a type of bacteria that can be found in raw or undercooked salmon, and it can cause symptoms such as diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. Norovirus is another type of virus that can be found in raw or undercooked seafood, including salmon, and it can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Vibrio bacteria can also be present in raw or undercooked salmon, and it can cause infections such as Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vibrio vulnificus. These infections can cause symptoms such as fever, vomiting, and diarrhea, and in severe cases, they can lead to blood infections and other complications.

To ensure that salmon is safe to eat, it should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and the flesh should be opaque and easily flaked with a fork. It is also important to properly store and handle salmon to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.

What Happens if You Eat Undercooked Salmon?

Eating undercooked salmon can put you at risk of contracting foodborne illnesses, which can cause a range of symptoms, including:

  • Nausea and vomiting: Eating undercooked salmon can cause nausea and vomiting, which can be severe in some cases.
  • Diarrhea: Salmonella bacteria and other pathogens that can be found in undercooked salmon can cause diarrhea, which can be watery or bloody.
  • Abdominal cramps: Salmonella and other bacteria that can be present in undercooked salmon can cause abdominal cramps, which can be severe and persistent.
  • Fever: Some foodborne illnesses that can be caused by eating undercooked salmon can lead to a fever, which may be mild or high.
  • Dehydration: Diarrhea and vomiting caused by foodborne illnesses can lead to dehydration, which can be dangerous, especially in young children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems.

In severe cases, foodborne illnesses caused by eating undercooked salmon can lead to complications, such as sepsis, which can be life-threatening. It is important to seek medical attention if you experience any symptoms of a foodborne illness after eating undercooked salmon.

How Do You Know If a Salmon is Undercooked?

To determine if a salmon is undercooked, you can check its internal temperature using a food thermometer. The internal temperature is the temperature at the thickest part of the salmon, which is the part that takes the longest to cook.

The recommended internal temperature for cooked salmon is at least 145°F (63°C). When the salmon reaches this temperature, the flesh should be opaque and easily flaked with a fork.

If the internal temperature of the salmon is lower than 145°F (63°C), it is considered undercooked, and it may not be safe to eat. Undercooked salmon may have a translucent or slightly raw appearance, and the flesh may be difficult to flake with a fork.

It is important to cook salmon thoroughly to ensure that it is safe to eat and to avoid the risk of foodborne illnesses. If you are unsure whether your salmon is cooked properly, use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature, or consult a food safety guide for cooking instructions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while undercooked salmon may be tempting, it's important to take the necessary precautions to avoid any health risks. By properly cooking salmon to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), you can ensure that it's safe to eat and reduce the risk of contracting foodborne illnesses. Remember to handle and store salmon properly to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. By following these guidelines, you can enjoy salmon and other seafood dishes safely and deliciously. If you have any other seafood-related questions please drop us a line at info@aksalmonco.com and we are happy to address them!

Is It Safe to Eat Undercooked Salmon? (2024)

FAQs

Is It Safe to Eat Undercooked Salmon? ›

It is never completely safe to eat undercooked salmon. That's because foodborne illnesses are much more likely to be passed on through salmon that has not been cooked thoroughly to a recommended internal temperature of 145 degrees F.

Is it okay to eat slightly undercooked salmon? ›

Eating raw or undercooked salmon can put you at risk of contracting foodborne illnesses, such as salmonellosis, norovirus, and Vibrio infections. Salmonella is a type of bacteria that can be found in raw or undercooked salmon, and it can cause symptoms such as diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps.

Can salmon be a little pink? ›

Salmon will change from translucent (red or raw) to opaque (pink) as it cooks. After 6-8 minutes of cooking, check for doneness, by taking a sharp knife to peek into the thickest part. If the meat is beginning to flake, but still has a little translucency in the middle, it is done.

Is it OK to eat very rare salmon? ›

It is important to remember that cooking salmon to rare doneness means that the meat is undercooked. Consuming raw or undercooked salmon increases the risk of causing foodborne illness to consumers. Customers with weak immune systems may be more at risk of contracting foodborne illness from undercooked salmon meat.

Can I eat pink salmon? ›

They are also an excellent salmon for children to fish for because they're easy to hook, and easy to land due to their smaller size. Pink salmon are also very good to eat when caught in the ocean, or just returning to spawn. Their pale flesh has a mild taste and excellent texture.

Can I eat slightly bad salmon? ›

Regardless of whether the salmon appears to be spoiled, toss it out after 3 days. Since bacteria and mold start growing after a few days, eating the leftover salmon past that range could make your really sick.

How to know if salmon is safe to eat raw? ›

It's not a good idea to eat raw, wild-caught salmon unless you know it's been flash-frozen first. Farm-raised salmon, especially fish that have been flash frozen, are your best bet for eating raw sushi that you bought at the grocery store.

How can you tell if salmon is done? ›

Internal temperature: Use an instant-read meat thermometer; the salmon should register 145°F (63°C) at its thickest part. Flakiness: When gently pressed with a fork, the fish should easily flake apart. Avoid overcooking, as it can dry out the salmon. Cook with the skin side down for best results.

Is salmon done at 145 degrees? ›

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) states that salmon (and all fish) should be cooked to an internal temp of 145 degrees. But at 145 degrees, salmon can be overcooked, dry, and tough.

How to tell if fish is undercooked? ›

The Butter Knife Test

Insert a butter knife at a 45-degree angle into the thickest part of the fish and hold it there for three full seconds. Then, remove the knife and quickly place the knife tip to your bottom lip. If the knife feels warm, the fish should be done. If it's still cool, you need to cook a bit longer.

How rare should salmon be cooked? ›

Here's a guide to cooking salmon to the proper temperature: Rare: 110-115°F (43-46°C) - the flesh will still be translucent and slightly soft to the touch. This is not recommended for safety reasons. Medium rare: 115-120°F (46-48°C) - the flesh will start to turn opaque, but will still be soft and moist.

What is the lowest temperature you can eat salmon at? ›

Salmon – like all fish – has almost no collagen, which means it will start to lose moisture more quickly than beef. While the FDA recommends cooking fish to 145°F, for a flakier, more moist and tender salmon filet, many chefs find that it's best enjoyed when cooked to medium – 125°F.

How do you know if you shouldn't eat salmon? ›

A bad fishy smell or slimy, milky coating is a sign that the salmon is off. A very fresh salmon will have clear rather than cloudy eyes, firm flesh that bounces back when touched and the skin should feel wet but not slimy.

Is slightly undercooked salmon ok? ›

Can You Eat Undercooked Salmon? It is never completely safe to eat undercooked salmon. That's because foodborne illnesses are much more likely to be passed on through salmon that has not been cooked thoroughly to a recommended internal temperature of 145 degrees F.

Is a little pink in salmon okay? ›

2. Is it OK if the salmon is pink in the middle? Yes, it is okay for salmon to be pink in the middle.

Should you drain canned salmon? ›

This healthy and convenient food is low in calories, high in omega-3 fatty acids, and contains many essential vitamins and nutrients. Canned salmon also contains high concentrations of sodium, particularly when the fish is packed in salt water. That's why it's recommended that you drain the salmon before eating it.

Can I eat supermarket salmon raw? ›

Yes, salmon is a food that you can eat raw. However, it's 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.

Can I use raw salmon for sushi? ›

Fish safe to eat raw

It is one of the oldest ingredients used in sushi and is regarded by some as the icon of sushi and sashimi. Salmon: Salmon is one of the most popular ingredients used in sushi and sashimi, but to ensure it is safe, it shouldn't be previously frozen, or farmed appropriately.

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