To tell if salmon is bad, check the following key signs related to smell, appearance, and texture: Smell
- Fresh salmon has a mild, neutral, or ocean-like smell.
- Spoiled salmon emits a strong, unpleasant odor such as sourness, an overly fishy smell, or an ammonia-like scent. If you detect these, discard the salmon immediately
Appearance
- Fresh raw salmon should have a bright pink or orange color with shiny skin.
- Spoiled salmon looks dull or grayish, may have dark spots, discoloration, or a white, slimy film on the surface.
- For whole salmon, fresh eyes are clear and bulging, and gills are bright red. Cloudy, sunken eyes and brownish gills indicate spoilage
- Cooked salmon that has gone bad may appear dry, chalky, or develop a greenish tint or mold
Texture
- Fresh salmon feels firm and moist; when pressed, it bounces back and does not leave an indent.
- Spoiled salmon feels slimy, sticky, or mushy and may break apart easily
Additional Notes
- White stuff that appears on cooked salmon is albumin (a protein) and is normal, not a sign of spoilage
- Always check expiration or sell-by dates and store salmon properly in the refrigerator or freezer to maintain freshness
If you notice any of these spoilage signs, it is safest to discard the salmon to avoid foodborne illness, which can cause symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain
