Is Raw Fish Safe? What To Know Before You Eat

Many countries around the world feature raw fish in their cuisine. From sushi to ceviche to crudo, these dishes are as beautiful as they are delicious — but should you really be eating raw fish?

While the health risk of eating raw fish is minimal for most healthy people, it can be serious for others. Foodborne illnesses in people who are healthy can be gross — vomiting, diarrhea, fever and abdominal pain are common. But for people who are over 65, under 5, pregnant or have a weakened immune system, the risk can be severe and even life-threatening illness.

Registered dietitian Beth Czerwony, RD, explains how to eat raw fish safely, the risks of eating raw fish and who should avoid raw fish dishes.

How to ensure raw fish is safe to eat

The only sure way to prevent foodborne illness is to cook the fish to an internal temperature of at least 145 degrees Fahrenheit (or 62.77 degrees Celsius). But if you really love that spicy tuna roll, there are some steps you can take to eat sushi safely.

Czerwony says, “As long as you’re healthy, it’s just a matter of finding the right supplier and making sure the food is prepared in a healthy way.”

She recommends you:

Use your senses

You can tell a lot about a fish by how it looks, feels and smells, says Czerwony. Check that:

• The flesh is firm, without any fishy odor.
• There’s no discoloration, sliminess or sponginess.

Purchase fish from a reputable source

Where you purchase your raw fish matters. Gas station sushi may seem fast and easy, but it’s probably not a good idea if it contains raw fish.

Only purchase raw fish from reputable sources, says Czerwony. The facility should be clean and the workers should practice good hygiene. If you’re in a restaurant, look up the sanitation score from their last food safety inspection.

Freeze fish before eating

You may think fresh fish is best when eating it raw, but that’s not always the case. Freezing kills parasites that can make you sick.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that you either freeze fish at -4 F for seven days (or -31 F for 15 hours if you need to freeze it more quickly).

But not all fish needs freezing. According to the FDA, freezing isn’t necessary for most types of tuna or for farmed fish raised in open water pens, ponds or tanks.

“Before you purchase or order raw fish, ask whether it was frozen,” advises Czerwony. “A reliable source will know the standards and whether their fish meets those standards.”

Ensure food safety

If you’re preparing raw fish at home, food safety is essential. “By handling food safely, you reduce the chance that any bacteria on the raw fish will grow or spread to other foods,” says Czerwony.

The best steps you can take are to:

• Keep countertops and utensils clean.
• Store foods at 45 F (7.22 C) or colder.
• Wash your hands frequently.

What are the risks of mercury in raw fish?

Mercury is a toxic metal found in most types of fish. It poses a health risk whether the fish is raw or cooked. Fish higher up on the food chain (the ones that eat smaller fish) have the highest levels of mercury.

Low-mercury fish include:

• Anchovies.
• Canned light tuna.
• Cod.
• Haddock.
• Salmon.

Fish with the highest mercury include:

• Bigeye tuna.
• Marlin.
• Orange roughy.
• Shark.
• Swordfish.

Because of the mercury levels in fish, the FDA recommends people who are pregnant and children limit the amount of fish they eat. In general, the FDA suggests only a few servings of fish with low mercury levels per week.

Illnesses and symptoms to watch out for

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 48 million people get sick, and 3,000 people die from foodborne illnesses each year in the U.S.

The most common foodborne illnesses associated with raw fish include:

• Salmonella, which causes diarrhea, fever and abdominal pain. Salmonellosis usually begins 12 to 72 hours after eating the food and lasts between four and seven days.
• Vibrio vulnificus, which causes diarrhea, abdominal pain and vomiting usually within 24 hours after ingestion. It lasts about three days.
• Parasitic tapeworms, which can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting and weight loss. You may feel these symptoms long after ingesting fish infected with tapeworm eggs.

Who should not consume raw fish?

Dining on raw fish can be a mouth-watering culinary experience. But for some, the satisfaction of eating a gourmet dish just isn’t worth the risk of illness, notes Czerwony.

You shouldn’t consume raw fish if you’re:

• Immunocompromised: If your immune system isn’t functioning as it should, you’re more likely to get sicker longer.
• Under age 5 or over 65: Young children and older adults may be unable to fight an infection and are at risk of developing a more severe illness.
• Pregnant: It’s best to avoid certain foods when you’re pregnant, like raw fish, which could affect the health of you and your fetus.

Are there any health benefits of eating raw fish?

Fish is an excellent source of protein and is rich in omega-3 fatty acids that may improve heart health and reduce inflammation. And as heat can destroy some of the omega-3 fatty acids, raw fish can be even better for you than cooked fish.

“Food is such an important part of our physical and emotional lives,” says Czerwony. “If you are healthy and take some sensible precautions, go ahead and enjoy your favorite sushi roll or sashimi.”