It is generally not safe to eat salmon after its use by date. Consuming salmon past this date increases your risk of foodborne illness because the “use by” date is set for safety rather than just optimal freshness. If you eat spoiled salmon, you could get sick[1]. The best approach is to check the expiration or use by date when purchasing and consuming salmon. If the date has passed, you should not eat the salmon—freezing before the date is a safe alternative if you don’t plan to eat it right away[1].
The “use by” date differs from a “best by” date. While salmon may be safe to eat shortly after a “best by” date if it shows no signs of spoilage (like a strong smell, slimy texture, or discoloration), the “use by” date is a strict safety recommendation, especially for raw fish[3].
Fresh salmon only lasts 1-2 days in the refrigerator. If you don’t plan to eat it within this window, it should be frozen to maintain safety and quality[5]. Basics signs that salmon has spoiled include a sour or off smell, gray or dull coloring, and a slimy or sticky surface[1]. If you detect any of these signs, discard the fish rather than risk illness.
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