Salmon is a popular fish used in sushi recipes all over the world. However, there is always a growing concern about the safety of consuming supermarket salmon for sushi. In this article, we will take a closer look at this issue and determine whether or not it is safe to use supermarket salmon for sushi.
What Makes Salmon Safe for Sushi?
Before we delve into whether or not supermarket salmon is safe for sushi consumption, let’s first look at what makes any salmon safe for raw consumption.
Salmon that is used in sushi must be fresh and free of parasites and bacteria that can cause illness. To ensure that salmon is safe for raw consumption, it must be frozen at -31°F (-35°C) or below for at least 15 hours, or at -4°F (-20°C) or below for 7 days.
Why Frozen Salmon?
Freezing salmon is necessary to kill any parasites that may be present in the fish. Parasites such as Anisakis simplex can cause severe gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea when consumed by humans.
Supermarket salmon may have been previously frozen and thawed before being sold to customers. However, there is no way to confirm if the fish has been stored at the correct temperature during transportation and storage before it reaches the supermarket shelves.
The Risk of Consuming Supermarket Salmon for Sushi
When purchasing supermarket salmon for sushi, there are a few risks involved. Firstly, there is no way to know if the fish has been previously frozen to kill off any parasites. Also, the fish may have been exposed to bacteria during transportation or storage, which could cause food poisoning when eaten raw.
How to Determine if Supermarket Salmon Is Safe for Sushi
If you are considering using supermarket salmon for your homemade sushi rolls or sashimi platters, there are a few things you can do to ensure the safety of your meal.
- Check the label: Look for labels that indicate that the fish has been previously frozen.
- Ask the fishmonger: Ask the person behind the fish counter if the salmon has been previously frozen and stored at the correct temperature.
- Smell and inspect: If you are still unsure, give your salmon a good sniff. Fresh salmon should have a mild, ocean-like smell. Also, inspect the flesh for any discoloration or unusual texture.
Cooking Salmon as an Alternative Option
If you are still concerned about consuming supermarket salmon raw, cooking it is always an option. Grilled or baked salmon can be just as delicious when used in sushi rolls or paired with sushi rice.
The Bottom Line
In conclusion, while it is safe to consume raw salmon that has been correctly frozen to kill off any parasites, it is difficult to determine whether or not supermarket salmon has undergone this process. To ensure your safety, always purchase your fish from a reputable source and ask questions about its handling before consumption. Cooking your salmon is also a great alternative option if you are hesitant about consuming raw fish.
