can you eat raw salmon

Yes, it is possible to eat raw salmon, but there are important safety considerations to keep in mind. Raw salmon can be eaten safely if it is of high quality, properly handled, stored, and labeled as sushi-grade. Freezing or flash-freezing the salmon at very low temperatures (-20°F or lower) for a period of time is recommended to kill parasites. However, raw salmon may still contain bacteria, viruses, or environmental pollutants that cooking would normally destroy. Certain groups of people, including pregnant women, young children, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems, are advised not to eat raw salmon due to higher risks of foodborne illness. It’s important to buy salmon from reputable sources, inspect it for freshness, and consume it promptly if eating raw. Cooking salmon to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) is the safest way to eliminate harmful pathogens. In summary, raw salmon can be enjoyed safely, particularly in sushi and sashimi, if it is sushi-grade and handled properly. However, it carries some risks and should be avoided by vulnerable populations.