Can You Eat Salmon 2 Days After Use By Date?

Salmon is a popular, nutrient-rich fish enjoyed by millions across the UK. But what should you do if your salmon is sitting in the fridge, and you realise the “use by” date was two days ago? Is it safe to eat, or should you throw it away? This guide delivers expert insight based on current food safety guidance, helping you make the safest—yet least wasteful—decision for you and your family.

Essential Highlights

It is generally not recommended to eat salmon two days after its use by date due to potential bacterial growth and food poisoning risk.[7]
“Use by” dates are strict food safety markers. Consuming salmon past this date can be unsafe, even if it looks and smells normal.[7]
Visual and sensory checks (smell, colour, texture) are essential, but not always reliable for detecting invisible pathogens.[4][7]
If in doubt, always err on the side of caution: discard the salmon.
For more information and safe food guidelines, visit CanYouEat.co.uk’s dedicated salmon guide.

Understanding “Use By” Dates on Salmon
Food Safety Risks: What Happens After the Use By Date?
Signs Your Salmon Has Gone Bad
How to Store Salmon Safely
Special Considerations for High-Risk Groups
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Understanding “Use By” Dates on Salmon

“Use by” dates are legal indicators for perishable foods like salmon and are not the same as “best before” or “sell by” dates. The “use by” date is the manufacturer’s guarantee that the product is safe to eat up to (but not after) that day, assuming you’ve followed the correct storage instructions.

Eating salmon after the “use by” date can expose you to harmful bacteria, even if it looks or smells fine[7].
“Best before” dates refer to quality, not safety; “use by” dates refer strictly to safety.[5]

For a more detailed discussion, see CanYouEat.co.uk’s salmon food safety section.

Food Safety Risks: What Happens After the Use By Date?

Consuming salmon even a day or two after the use by date creates a risk of food poisoning. Bacteria such as Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella, and Vibrio can multiply in chilled, vacuum-sealed seafood—even under refrigeration.[7][4]

The danger zone for bacterial growth is 4.4°C to 60°C (40°F to 140°F), but some pathogens can grow at lower temperatures[7].
You cannot reliably detect contamination by appearance, smell, or taste[4].
Even if the salmon appears normal, you could still become ill from bacteria or toxins that have developed past the use by date.

For the highest level of assurance, always follow legal use by dates and discard salmon when they have passed.

Signs Your Salmon Has Gone Bad

While you should never eat salmon past its use by date, it’s helpful to know the signs of spoilage if you’re ever unsure about your fish.

Sour or strong fishy odour: Fresh salmon should have a mild, fresh smell.
Change in colour: Salmon should be vibrant pink/orange. Dullness, greening, or dark spots signal spoilage.[1][4]
Slimy, sticky, or tacky texture: A slippery surface points to bacterial growth.[1]
Unusual milkiness or cloudiness in liquids: Especially in packaged fish, this is a warning sign.

If you notice any of these, discard the salmon immediately—even if it’s before the use by date![4][7]

How to Store Salmon Safely

Proper storage is essential to maximise the shelf life and safety of your salmon.

Refrigerate raw salmon immediately at 0-4°C (32-39°F). It should be consumed within 1-2 days, even if the use by date is further out.[4][7]
Cooked salmon should be eaten within 3-4 days when stored in the fridge.[1][7]
Freezing salmon can extend its shelf life for months—just ensure it’s wrapped tightly and placed in the freezer before the use by date.[1]
Never leave salmon at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

For more safe storage tips, visit CanYouEat.co.uk food safety guides.

Special Considerations for High-Risk Groups

Certain people are at a higher risk of serious illness from eating old or contaminated salmon:

Pregnant women
Elderly individuals
People with weakened immune systems
Young children

The UK Food Standards Agency advises these groups to avoid all cold-smoked and cured fish unless thoroughly cooked, due to listeria risk.[8]

Visit Food Standards Agency for up-to-date advice.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can you eat salmon one day after the use by date if it looks and smells normal?
No. “Use by” dates mark food safety, not just quality. Harmful bacteria can be present even if there’s no visible or sensory spoilage.[7]

2. What’s the difference between “use by” and “best before” dates for salmon?
“Use by” is about safety; never eat salmon after this date. “Best before” is about quality—the salmon may still be safe, but taste and texture may decline.[5]

3. Is frozen salmon safe to eat past the use by date?
If the salmon was frozen before the use by date, it can be safe for months in the freezer. If frozen after the use by date, it could be unsafe—freezing does not kill all toxins or bacteria.[1]

4. What illnesses can you get from eating old salmon?
Potential foodborne illnesses include listeriosis, salmonella, scombroid poisoning, and vibrio infection—all of which may cause severe symptoms.[7][8]

5. Can you cook salmon past the use by date to make it safe?
Cooking kills most bacteria, but not toxins they may have produced. Do not rely on heat. Always discard salmon past its use by date.[8]

6. What are the safest ways to store salmon at home?
Keep raw salmon refrigerated and consume quickly. Freeze salmon if you can’t eat it before the use by date. Store at 0-4°C in airtight packaging.[7][1]

7. Where can I find more food safety advice for fish?
Visit CanYouEat.co.uk for comprehensive guides, or NHS Choices and Food Standards Agency for official information.

References and Further Reading:

For more on seafood safety and to get answers to your most-asked questions, visit the main Can You Eat site.

Can You Eat Salmon 2 Days After Use By Date