It is generally not recommended to eat salmon that is a day past its “use by” date, as these dates indicate the last day the food is considered safe to consume. Eating salmon after this date increases the risk of foodborne illness, even if it looks and smells normal[3]. However, the USDA notes that, except for infant formula, food may still be safe if handled and stored properly, as long as there are no signs of spoilage like a sour odor, slimy texture, or discoloration[7].
For salmon, specifically:
- Raw salmon should be stored in the fridge at 40°F (4°C) or lower and ideally eaten within 1–2 days of purchase or the use-by date[5].
- If the salmon has any signs of spoilage—such as a strong, sour smell, slimy surface, or grayish or green color—it should be discarded regardless of the date[3].
- “Use by” dates are about safety, so if you are in doubt or see spoilage, do not consume the salmon. “Best by” dates refer to quality; in that case, judgement based on storage and spoilage signs applies[5].
- If the salmon was frozen before the use-by date, it should remain safe for an extended period in the freezer and can be thawed and consumed later[1].
For individuals at higher risk of foodborne illness (pregnant people, young children, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems), extra caution is advised, and it’s safest not to risk eating salmon past its use-by date[4].
References
- [1] How Long Does Cooked Salmon Last in the Fridge? Safety Tips
- [3] How To Tell if Salmon is Bad – The Foodie Physician
- [4] Eat Fish and Shellfish in a Healthy Way | US EPA
- [5] How to Tell If Salmon is Bad – Watch Out for These Signs
- [7] Food Product Dating – Food Safety and Inspection Service – USDA
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