is walmart salmon safe to eat raw

Is Walmart Salmon Safe to Eat Raw? A Detailed Look at Sourcing Handling and RisksEating raw salmon has become increasingly popular, with dishes like sushi poke bowls and crudo growing in prominence. The fresh, delicate flavor of raw salmon is undeniably appetizing. But is it actually safe to eat raw salmon from Walmart?

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive into all the factors that determine the safety of consuming Walmart’s salmon raw. We’ll look at how Walmart sources their salmon, how it’s processed and handled, potential risks, and best practices for safe raw consumption.

The Popularity of Raw Salmon DishesRaw fish consumption has exploded in recent years especially among health-conscious consumers. The rise of Japanese cuisine like sushi and sashimi helped drive this trend. More recently Hawaiian poke bowls have taken the mainland by storm as a fresher, lighter alternative to typical takeout fare.

At the center of many raw preparations is salmon, prized for its velvety texture, rich omega-3 content, and versatility. In fact, salmon now ranks among the most popular fish in the United States. It’s also one of the safer options when eating raw, with a lower risk of parasites compared to some other fish.

How Walmart Sources Their Fresh Salmon
To understand how safely you can eat Walmart’s salmon raw, we need to start at the source. Walmart does not harvest their own salmon. Instead, they source salmon from major providers across the globe:

• Wild-Caught Salmon – Species like sockeye and coho are fished from Alaskan, Washington and Oregon waters.

• Farmed Salmon – Atlantic salmon from Chile and Norway makes up a large portion of farmed salmon.

Wild Pacific salmon generally carries lower risks than farmed Atlantic salmon. But with proper handling, both can be safe.

Salmon Processing and Handling
Once sourced, processing and handling are where contamination risks emerge. Here are key steps:

• Bleeding – Blood is drained after catch to inhibit bacteria growth.

• Filleting – Salmon is filleted by hand or machine with proper sanitation.

• Freezing – Salmon is typically flash frozen soon after catch to kill parasites. Walmart states their salmon is frozen to -31°F.

• Packaging – Vacuum sealing prevents exposure during handling and shipping.

• Shipping – Frozen salmon is transported in refrigerated trucks to stores.

When these protocols are followed, the risk of contamination becomes quite low.

In-Store Handling at Walmart
Once salmon reaches Walmart, store handling determines if contamination occurs:

• Frozen Transport – Salmon remains frozen as it ships in refrigerated cases.

• Thawing – Employees are trained in proper thawing before displaying salmon on ice.

• Display – Salmon sits on fresh ice, not touching melted water where bacteria can grow.

• Turnover – High turnover prevents salmon sitting out too long. Unsold salmon is discarded daily.

• Sanitation – Food contact surfaces are frequently cleaned to prevent cross-contamination.

Again, proper protocols here help mitigate risks of unsafe salmon. But mishandling by staff could increase risks.

Potential Risks of Eating Walmart’s Salmon Raw
Raw salmon does come with inherent risks to be aware of:

• Bacteria – Salmonella, Vibrio and other bacteria can cause foodborne illness if not handled properly.

• Parasites – Anisakis and other parasites may be present and can cause nasty infections when ingested.

• Viruses – Improper handling could lead to transmission of dangerous viruses.

• Toxins – Salmon can contain mercury, though levels are generally low.

• Allergies – People with salmon allergies may react, especially to salmon roe.

• Cross-Contamination – Bacteria from salmon can be spread to other foods if care isn’t taken.

So there are definitely hazards associated with raw salmon consumption. But risks can be minimized with proper handling.

Best Practices for Safely Eating Walmart’s Salmon Raw
To maximize the safety of Walmart salmon eaten raw, here are some tips:

• Inspect the salmon carefully and discard any discolored or smelly portions.

• Use very clean cutting boards, knives, plates and utensils when prepping.

• Wash hands thoroughly before and after handling the raw salmon.

• Refrigerate promptly after preparing and consume within 1-2 days.

• Avoid raw salmon if you are in an at-risk group like pregnant women or the elderly.

• Cook salmon to 145°F to kill any potential bacteria and parasites, if you have concerns about raw consumption.

By following basic food safety protocols, healthy individuals should be able to safely eat Walmart salmon raw in most circumstances. But it’s smart to take precautions if you have higher risk factors.

The Verdict on Eating Walmart Salmon Raw
Based on Walmart’s salmon sourcing, processing, freezing protocols and in-store handling, their salmon appears to meet FDA standards for safety and quality. While risks can never be fully eliminated with raw fish, Walmart salmon seems no less safe to eat raw than any grocery store salmon, assuming proper storage and preparation once purchased.

For maximum safety, at-risk groups like pregnant women may want to avoid raw salmon. But most healthy adults and children should be able to safely enjoy Walmart’s fresh raw salmon in their favorite poke bowls, sushi rolls and other dishes by following basic food safety best practices. While not sushi-grade, Walmart’s salmon can be a shortcut to delicious raw salmon dishes with minimal risk when handled responsibly.

What has been your experience with preparing and eating Walmart’s salmon raw? Have you felt comfortable with the safety, or do you have lingering concerns? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!