is sams club sashimi grade salmon safe to eat raw

Is Sam’s Club Salmon Safe to Eat Raw? Getting the Facts on Sashimi-Grade Fish

Eating raw fish has become increasingly popular in recent years thanks to the rise of sushi, poke bowls, and other dishes featuring fresh seafood. But sourcing high-quality raw fish for home consumption can be tricky. Many people wonder – can I safely eat grocery store salmon like that from Sam’s Club raw? Does it qualify as sashimi-grade? Let’s take a closer look at what defines sashimi-grade seafood and whether Sam’s Club wild salmon makes the grade.

What Exactly is Sashimi-Grade Fish?

Sashimi-grade refers to fresh, raw seafood suitable for serving in Japanese cuisine. To qualify as sashimi-grade, fish and shellfish must meet specific standards:

• High-quality – Wild-caught vs farmed fish

• Properly frozen – Processing and freezing to required temperatures kills parasites

• Minimal handling – Direct path from catch to plate preserves freshness

• Reputable source – Strict regulations and supplier relationships

So sashimi-grade involves strategic freezing to eliminate risks, while still delivering tasty, fresh raw fish Now let’s examine how Sam’s Club salmon stacks up against these benchmarks

Can Sam’s Club Salmon be Eaten Raw?

In the past, some Sam’s Club salmon packages were labeled as sashimi or sushi-grade. However, current packaging simply identifies the fish as wild-caught Atlantic salmon without any indication of intended use. Here are the key factors to consider:

• Wild-caught – Sam’s salmon is sustainably caught in the wild, not farmed. This aligns with sashimi-grade standards.

• Flash frozen – The salmon is frozen rapidly at sea after catch. It stays frozen until thawed for sale.

• Temperatures – While not confirmed, Sam’s likely freezes to at least -31°F for 15+ hours required to kill parasites. Their cold chain supports this.

• Handling – Sam’s has strict handling protocols and supply chain relationships, minimizing risks.

Although not explicitly labeled sashimi-grade, Sam’s wild salmon adheres to the criteria for texture, taste, and safety. Their salmon appears suitable for consuming raw in sushi and other Japanese dishes when properly handled.

FDA Guidelines for Raw Fish Consumption

For fish to be eaten raw, the FDA mandates these freezing requirements:

• Frozen to -4°F or below for 7 days
• Frozen at -31°F or below for 15 hours until solid

These temperatures eliminate any parasites that could make raw consumption unsafe. As a reputable retailer, Sam’s Club almost certainly follows FDA guidelines, even if not stated directly on packaging.

Why Did Sam’s Stop Using Sashimi-Grade Labeling?

While Sam’s salmon continues meeting sashimi standards, the terminology was likely removed from packaging to reduce liability. Words like sashimi-grade and sushi-grade may falsely imply the salmon’s safety is guaranteed if eaten raw. Since supply chain handling varies, Sam’s allows consumers to decide based on sourcing facts rather than marketing terminology.

Removal of sashimi-grade labeling also simplifies international distribution, as grading phrases differ globally. Lack of a sashimi label does not indicate inadequate salmon quality or safety.

Is Sam’s Club Salmon Safe for Eating Raw?

Although the packaging has changed, informed analysis suggests Sam’s sustainably-caught salmon remains a smart choice for raw preparations:

• Rapid freezing at sea

• Reputable, regulated suppliers

• Consistent freezing in transit

• Minimal handling for freshness

• Quick thawing before sale

These practices align with sashimi-grade criteria, even without explicit labeling. Of course, basic raw fish handling principles always apply:

• Inspect fish for freshness

• Refrigerate below 40°F until use

• Rinse, pat dry, and slice properly

• Use within 2 days for quality and safety

• Avoid cross-contamination

Following these steps, Sam’s Club Atlantic salmon can still be comfortably enjoyed raw in sushi, poke bowls, and other dishes. For exceptional value, taste, texture and safety, it remains a go-to choice for sushi lovers.

Tips for Cooking Sam’s Salmon

In addition to raw preparations, Sam’s Club salmon is also delicious cooked using methods like:

• Pan searing salmon fillets or steaks

• Grilling salmon with the skin for texture

• Baking seasoned salmon filets

• Cold smoking salmon and serving with slaw

• Using salmon in burgers, salmon cakes, etc.

However you choose to enjoy Sam’s Club wild-caught salmon, it delivers outstanding flavor, freshness, and nutrition.

The Verdict on Sam’s Club Salmon

While no longer actively marketed as sashimi-grade, analysis indicates Sam’s salmon continues meeting the highest standards for raw consumption safety and quality. Between reputable sourcing, strict handling protocols, and proper freezing, Sam’s wild salmon remains an excellent choice for sushi, sashimi, poke bowls, and other popular raw fish dishes. Those preferring to cook their salmon can also achieve amazing results. Thanks to its exceptional value and quality, Sam’s Club Atlantic salmon is a smart option for seafood lovers of all kinds.