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. But when you cook and eat salmon that isn’t fully cooked at home, it’s normal to wonder if it’s safe. According to the CDC, you could get sick if you eat salmon that is raw or not cooked all the way through. This article will talk about all of these issues and also show you what salmon that isn’t cooked enough looks like.
Salmon is one of the most popular and commonly consumed fish worldwide. Its rich, fatty texture makes it a delicious addition to a variety of dishes However, eating undercooked or raw salmon can have serious health consequences In this article, we’ll explore what can happen if you eat undercooked salmon and provide tips to enjoy salmon safely.
Overview of Salmon and Foodborne Illness Risk
Salmon naturally contains a host of bacteria and parasites Proper cooking destroys these organisms, rendering the fish safe to eat However, eating raw or undercooked salmon provides an opportunity for bacteria or parasites to infect your digestive system, leading to foodborne illness.
Over 4 million people get sick every year in the US from food-borne illnesses, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Over 500 of these cases are fatal. Seafood, including salmon, is responsible for 10% of these illnesses.
Bacteria Commonly Found in Undercooked Salmon
Several types of dangerous bacteria can be found in raw and undercooked salmon. These include:
Salmonella – The most common illness, salmonellosis causes diarrhea, fever, vomiting and abdominal cramps
Vibrio – Vibrio infection causes vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and fever. Can become life-threatening.
Listeria – Listeriosis is particularly dangerous for pregnant women, causing fetal death or premature delivery
E. Coli – E. coli infection causes severe stomach cramps and bloody diarrhea.
Clostridium botulinum – Causes botulism, a serious paralytic illness from a nerve toxins.
These bacteria are killed when salmon is cooked to at least 145°F, which keeps people from getting sick.
Parasites in Undercooked Salmon
In addition to bacteria, undercooked salmon may contain parasites, such as:
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Anisakis – Can cause abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting when larvae attach to stomach or intestines
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Diphyllobothrium – Tapeworms than can grow over 30 feet long in intestines
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Nanophyetes – Intestinal fluke infection causing diarrhea and abdominal pain
Proper freezing and cooking kill any parasites present in salmon.
What Actually Happens If You Eat Undercooked Salmon?
If the undercooked salmon you eat contains harmful bacteria, viruses or parasites, you may start experiencing symptoms anywhere from 30 minutes to 4 weeks later.
Early symptoms usually include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal cramping
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Fever
Later symptoms can include:
- Blood or pus in stools
- Dehydration
- Worsening diarrhea
- Persistent fever
- Muscle aches
- Fatigue
- Confusion
Symptoms may differ depending on the specific organism causing illness. Seek medical care if you experience severe or prolonged symptoms.
Who is Most at Risk from Undercooked Salmon?
While undercooked salmon can make anyone sick, some groups have higher risk of serious illness or complications:
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Pregnant women – Risk of miscarriage, stillbirth or premature delivery
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Young children – Dehydration and malnutrition risk from diarrhea
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Older adults – Weakened immune response increases illness severity
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Those with compromised immune systems – Transplants, HIV, chemotherapy
Can Undercooked Salmon Actually Be Fatal?
Though rare, some cases of foodborne illnesses from undercooked salmon do result in death. Those at highest risk include:
- People with weakened immune systems
- The elderly
- Children under 5 years old
In severe cases, dehydration and septic shock can occur, eventually leading to organ failure and death. Seek immediate emergency medical attention for serious symptoms.
How to Enjoy Salmon Safely
When handled and prepared properly, salmon is perfectly safe to eat and delicious. Follow these tips to stay healthy:
- Purchase fresh, sushi-grade salmon if eating raw
- Freeze salmon for 7 days at -4°F to kill any parasites present
- Cook to an internal temperature of at least 145°F
- Store raw salmon below 40°F
- Wash hands, utensils and surfaces after handling raw salmon
While the taste of raw salmon is tempting, the potential risks of foodborne illness simply aren’t worth it. Always cook salmon thoroughly and adhere to food safety guidelines. If symptoms do occur after eating undercooked salmon, seek prompt medical attention, especially if you are in an at-risk group. Stay informed, get treated quickly, and you can continue enjoying delicious salmon recipes safely.
Is it Safe to Eat Undercooked Salmon?
No, it is not safe to eat undercooked salmon. If you eat salmon that is raw or not cooked all the way through, you could get foodborne illnesses like salmonellosis, norovirus, and Vibrio infections.
Salmonella is a kind of bacteria that can be found in raw or undercooked salmon. It can make you sick with diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps. Norovirus is another type of virus that can be found in salmon and other raw or undercooked seafood. It can make you sick and make you throw up or have diarrhea.
Salmon that is raw or not cooked enough can also have Vibrio bacteria on it, which can cause infections like Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vibrio vulnificus. These infections can make you sick with fever, vomiting, and diarrhea. If they get bad enough, they can cause blood infections and other problems.
Salmon should be cooked to 145°F (63°C) on the inside, and the flesh should be opaque and easy to flake 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?
If you eat salmon that isn’t fully cooked, you might get a foodborne illness, which can cause a number of symptoms, such as
- Nausea and vomiting: Salmon that isn’t cooked all the way through can make you sick and make you throw up, which can get really bad in some cases.
- Salmonella bacteria and other pathogens that can be found in salmon that isn’t cooked all the way through can cause diarrhea, which can be watery or bloody.
- Having stomach cramps: Salmonella and other bacteria that can be found in undercooked salmon can cause stomach cramps that can be very bad and last for a long time.
- Fever: Some illnesses that can be spread by eating salmon that isn’t fully cooked can cause a fever, which can be mild or high.
- Dehydration: People who get sick from food can become dehydrated, which can be dangerous, especially young children, the elderly, and people whose immune systems aren’t strong enough.
Salmon that isn’t cooked all the way through can make you sick, and in the worst cases, complications like sepsis can be life-threatening. If you get any signs of a foodborne illness after eating undercooked salmon, you should see a doctor right away.
How to Tell when Salmon Is Cooked
FAQ
Is it okay to eat slightly undercooked salmon?
Is it OK if salmon is pink in the middle?
Is it okay to eat salmon medium rare?
What happens if you eat fish not fully cooked?