Can You Get Salmonella From Salmon? (Ways to Eat)

Table of Contents [Show]

Yes, you can get salmonella from salmon. In fact, any type of fish or seafood can be a potential carrier of the bacteria. Salmonella is a foodborne illness that causes abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and fever within 12 to 72 hours after eating contaminated food. 

It can be deadly in some cases, particularly to young children, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems. While most cases of salmonella poisoning are relatively mild, it's important to take precautions against becoming ill, especially if you are pregnant or have young children. 

Always wash your hands thoroughly after handling raw fish or seafood, and cook seafood thoroughly. Salmonella is commonly found in poultry, meat, and eggs. It can also be found in some types of fish, including salmon. 

Although salmonella can cause illness in people, it is not usually associated with salmon. However, there have been a few outbreaks of salmonella linked to salmon in recent years. These outbreaks have been traced back to contaminated fish products.

  

Should You Be Worried about Eating Raw Salmon?

Salmon is often a healthy and popular choice for a seafood dinner. However, there is some debate over whether or not eating raw salmon is safe. The concern with eating raw salmon comes from the risk of contracting a foodborne illness, such as salmonella. 

Despite this risk, there are many people who still choose to eat raw salmon. Some believe that the benefits of consuming nutrient-rich fish outweigh the risks. 

Others take precautions to reduce their risk of illness by only eating high-quality, fresh salmon that has been properly handled and prepared. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to eat raw salmon is up to each individual. 

Those who choose to do so should take proper precautions to reduce the risk of foodborne illness.

  

What Kind of Parasites in Raw Salmon?

Are parasites in raw salmon something to worry about? Researchers at the University of California, Davis, say that there is a risk of parasitic infections from eating raw salmon, and they advise people to take precautions. 

Specifically, the researchers found that a parasite called Anisakis can cause gastrointestinal problems in humans who eat raw or undercooked salmon. The parasite can also cause allergic reactions. 

While the risk of infection is low, the researchers advise people to freeze their salmon for at least seven days before eating it raw in order to kill any parasites. Here are some types of bacteria and viruses commonly found in raw salmon: 

Salmonella: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), raw salmon is a common source of salmonella infections. In fact, the CDC estimates that there are around 1,500 cases of salmonella from raw salmon each year. 

The good news is that most people who get sick from salmonella recover without any complications. However, for some people, particularly those with weakened immune systems, salmonella can be serious or even deadly. 

Shigella: Salmon is a favorite food for many, but some may not know that it can also be a source of food poisoning. Raw salmon has been linked to several outbreaks of Shigella, a bacteria that can cause severe diarrhea, stomach cramps, and fever. 

In one outbreak, raw salmon was determined to be the source of infection in more than 100 people.

Vibrio: Raw salmon can contain the bacteria Vibrio, which can cause food poisoning. The bacteria is killed by cooking, so properly cooking salmon will prevent any illness. Vibrio is also found in other seafood, so it is important to cook all seafood properly to avoid illness. 

Clostridium botulinum: Clostridium botulinum is a bacterium that can cause the life-threatening illness botulism. The bacterium is found in soil and water, and it produces a toxin that can paralyze the muscles. 

Symptoms of botulism include double vision, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, and muscle weakness. 

The illness can progress to paralysis of the respiratory muscles and death. Clostridium botulinum is killed by heat, so cooked foods are safe to eat. 

However, raw fish such as salmon can contain the bacterium, so it is important to take precautions when preparing this type of food. 

Staphylococcus aureus: Each year, an estimated 1.2 million people in the United States are infected with Staphylococcus aureus, and about 18,650 of them die as a result of their infection. 

S. aureus is a bacterium that is commonly found on the skin or in the nose of healthy people. However, it can cause serious infections if it enters the body through a wound or via food. 

One food that is particularly susceptible to contamination with S. aureus is raw salmon. In fact, recent studies have shown that up to 80 percent of raw salmon samples contain the bacterium. 

This can be a serious problem, as S. aureus can cause food poisoning and even death in some cases.

Listeria monocytogenes: There has been a recent uptick in cases of listeria monocytogenes linked to the consumption of raw salmon. While the cause of this increase is unknown, health officials are warning consumers to avoid eating raw salmon, especially if they are pregnant, elderly, or have a weakened immune system. 

Listeria monocytogenes is a bacteria that can cause serious illness, including meningitis, septicemia, and death. 

Symptoms can take up to two months to develop and may include fever, muscle aches, nausea, and diarrhea. 

Escherichia coli: Escherichia coli is a bacteria that can cause food poisoning. It is found in raw salmon and can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. These symptoms can last for up to a week. 

In severe cases, E. coli can lead to kidney failure and even death. To avoid food poisoning, it is important to cook salmon thoroughly. 

Hepatitis A: Hepatitis A is a virus that can cause inflammation of the liver. It is typically transmitted through contact with fecal matter, but can also be spread through food and drink. In recent years, there has been an uptick in cases of hepatitis A linked to raw salmon. 

While the majority of cases have occurred in the Western United States, the infection can occur anywhere raw salmon is consumed. 

Norovirus: Norovirus, a highly contagious virus, is commonly found in raw and undercooked seafood, including oysters, clams, and mussels. In the past year, several outbreaks of norovirus linked to the consumption of raw salmon have been reported in the United States. 

The CDC advises against eating raw or undercooked salmon due to the risk of contracting this virus.

  

Health Benefits of Salmon

Salmon is a fatty fish that is high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for maintaining heart health and preventing chronic diseases. 

Salmon also contains vitamin D and selenium, both of which are essential for good health. Eating salmon can provide numerous health benefits, including reducing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and Alzheimer's disease. 

Salmon is also a good source of protein and can help promote weight loss or maintain a healthy weight. In short, there are several benefits of salmon you can find, including; 

1. Salmon is a great source of Omega-3 fatty acids 
2. Salmon is a good source of protein 
3. Salmon is a good source of vitamins and minerals 
4. Salmon can help improve heart health 
5. Salmon can help improve brain health 
6. Salmon can help improve joint health

Who Should not Eat Raw Fish

According to the FDA, there are certain people who should not eat raw fish. This includes pregnant women, young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems. 

Raw fish can contain parasites and bacteria that can cause illness. Salmon is a type of fish that is often eaten raw and is known to contain harmful parasites and bacteria.

  

Ways to Eat Raw Salmon

There are many ways to eat raw salmon. One way is to simply cut the salmon into small, bite-sized cubes and eat it as is. Another way is to make a salmon tartare. 

To do this, you'll need some fresh dill, capers, lemon juice, and olive oil. First, cut the salmon into small cubes and then mix it with the other ingredients. You can either eat it as is or put it in a serving dish and top it with some olive oil and lemon zest.