Can You Eat Trader Joe’s Salmon Raw? Everything You Need To Know

Eating raw salmon has become an increasingly popular choice for sushi lovers and health enthusiasts. The rich fatty taste combined with the potential health benefits make it an appetizing option. However raw salmon also comes with some risks that are important to consider. In this article, we’ll explore the key questions around eating raw salmon from Trader Joe’s

Is Raw Salmon Safe to Eat?

Raw salmon actually contains a parasitic worm called Anisakis When salmon is frozen or cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F, this parasite is killed However, if the salmon you eat is raw, you run the risk of ingesting these live worms which can cause symptoms ranging from mild stomach pain to severe allergic reactions.

The main risks of eating raw salmon include:

• Food poisoning from bacteria like salmonella
• Infection from parasites like Anisakis worms
• Allergic reactions especially in those with seafood allergies

Most of the time, it’s safer to cook salmon all the way through or choose fish like tuna that can be eaten raw.

Can You Eat Trader Joe’s Salmon Raw?

Trader Joe’s is a trusted grocery store with high quality standards for their seafood. However, they don’t specifically recommend or label any of their fresh salmon as safe for raw consumption

Their frozen wild sockeye salmon fillets note that the sockeye is sushi-grade and can be eaten raw. But their fresh, non-frozen salmon lacks this reassurance.

The safest choice is to assume their fresh salmon is intended for cooking only unless otherwise stated. Trader Joe’s fresh salmon is delicious cooked, so there’s no need to take risks eating it raw!

How To Know If Salmon Is Safe To Eat Raw

There are some rules you should follow if you decide to eat raw salmon:

• Choose wild-caught salmon, especially Alaskan sockeye salmon, as it’s less likely to have parasites. Atlantic farmed salmon is more prone to contamination.

• Check for sushi-grade certification, which means its been frozen to kill bacteria and parasites.

• Check the color – it should be glistening and bright orange-red.

• Check the smell – it should smell pleasantly like the ocean, not fishy or sour.

• Ensure proper storage below 40°F.

• Check for expiration date and don’t eat if expired.

• Buy from reputable sellers like fish markets or trusted grocers.

Following these tips helps minimize the risks when consuming raw salmon. But there’s no guaranteed way to fully eliminate the hazards.

Can You Eat Trader Joe’s Frozen Salmon Raw?

While Trader Joe’s doesn’t specifically recommend their fresh salmon to be eaten raw, their frozen wild sockeye salmon fillets are labeled as sushi-grade.

This means the frozen salmon has been processed to kill potentially harmful bacteria and parasites. As long as the fish was kept frozen until you thaw it, TJ’s frozen salmon should be safe to eat raw.

Be sure to thaw using proper methods:

• In the refrigerator overnight
• Under cold running water for 1-2 hours
• In the microwave if cooking immediately

Then consume the raw fish within 1-2 days for food safety.

Types of Salmon That Are Safe To Eat Raw

If you want to be extra cautious, stick to reputable sushi restaurant fish or the following salmon types:

Wild Alaskan Salmon

Wild salmon from Alaska hasn’t been exposed to the crowded conditions of salmon farms. This makes it less likely to harbor parasites. Within wild Alaskan salmon, sockeye and coho are best for raw consumption.

Loch Duart Salmon

This brand of salmon sustainably farms their salmon in the cold, fast-moving waters of Scotland’s Loch Melford. Their high standards and cold environment produce exceptionally clean salmon.

Organic Ocean-Raised

Pristine, deep ocean waters produce some of the world’s cleanest salmon. Organic ocean-raised salmon like SweetSpring salmon are safe raw options.

Icelandic Salmon

Iceland uses some of the most sustainable salmon farming practices which yield delicious raw salmon. The cold waters help keep the fish contaminant free.

Fresh Norwegian Salmon

Norway’s colder waters and strict fishing regulations produce high quality raw salmon perfect for sushi. Check for clear eyes, red gills, shiny skin and firm flesh.

The Takeaway: Raw Salmon Safety Tips

While raw salmon from trusted sushi restaurants or high-end grocers is likely safe, you should take precautions like:

• Stick to reputable wild-caught or sushi-grade salmon
• Check for smell, color, texture
• Follow proper storage at <40°F
• Freeze for 7+ days if concerned about parasites
• Avoid if immunocompromised or pregnant

Raw salmon can make delicious sushi or poke bowls. But it’s vital to source quality fish and take safety measures. When in doubt, cook your salmon thoroughly until flaky! But armed with these tips, you can enjoy raw salmon more safely.