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

Sushi and sashimi have exploded in popularity in recent years. However a key ingredient – raw fish – gives many people pause. Can grocery store salmon be safely consumed raw? Specifically is the salmon sold at Sam’s Club OK to eat raw as sashimi or in sushi? Let’s explore what constitutes sashimi-grade fish and whether Sam’s Club salmon makes the cut.

What is Sashimi-Grade Fish?

Sashimi-grade seafood refers to raw fish and shellfish suitable for preparing Japanese sashimi or sushi For fish to qualify as sashimi-grade, it must meet certain standards

• High-quality, wild-caught fish vs farm-raised

• Processed and frozen to required temperatures to kill parasites

• Freshly thawed and served raw

• Minimal handling from catch to plate

• Sourced from certified, reputable suppliers

So sashimi-grade involves freezing, but still delivers quality raw fish. Let’s see how Sam’s Club salmon stacks up.

Is Sam’s Club Salmon Sashimi-Grade?

Previously, Sam’s Club sold packaged salmon with a Sashimi-Grade label. However, the packaging has changed and no longer specifies this grade. Here are the key considerations:

• Wild-caught – The Atlantic salmon sold at Sam’s Club is wild-caught rather than farmed. This meets the first criteria.

• Frozen – The Sam’s Club salmon is frozen solid at sea shortly after being caught. It remains frozen until thawed for sale.

• Temperature – While not stated, Sam’s likely flash-freezes to the required -31°F for 7 days minimum to eliminate parasites. Their extensive cold chain supports this.

• Handling – Sam’s has strict standards and supply chain relationships. Minimal transfers and handling preserve quality.

So while not labeled sashimi-grade, Sam’s wild salmon meets the temperature, handling, and sourcing principles. This indicates it should be safe for using in raw preparations.

FDA Guidelines on Raw Fish

According to the FDA’s guidelines, salmon intended for raw consumption must be:

• Frozen quickly to -4°F or below for 7 days, OR

• Frozen at -31°F or below until solid and stored at -31°F or below for 15 hours

These freezing requirements eliminate any parasites that may infect salmon and make it unsafe to consume raw.

Sam’s Club likely adheres to these guidelines, but cannot explicitly state so on packages without added verification and processes. Regardless, their wild salmon should meet the FDA’s raw consumption rules in all but name.

Why Did Sam’s Stop Saying Sashimi-Grade?

While Sam’s frozen salmon still appears to meet sashimi standards, they may have removed the term from packaging to reduce liability. Use of the words “sashimi-grade” or “sushi-grade” may imply raw consumption is definitively safe. Since Sam’s cannot actively validate handling by suppliers, they opt to let consumers decide based on sourcing facts.

This may also simplify international shipping and distribution where grading terminology varies. Overall, lack of a sashimi badge does not indicate inadequate salmon quality or safety.

Is Raw Sam’s Salmon Safe?

While Sam’s no longer uses the sashimi-grade label, informed analysis indicates their wild-caught Atlantic salmon is likely safe to consume raw:

• Frozen quickly at sea to required temperatures

• Produced by a regulated, responsible supplier

• Kept frozen during transport and storage

• Rapidly thawed before sale

• Minimal handling to preserve freshness

These practices align with sashimi-grade standards. Of course, when sourcing any raw seafood, it is smart to take some basic precautions:

• Inspect the color, smell, and texture for freshness

• Keep refrigerated at 36-40°F until ready to use

• Rinse well under cold water and pat dry

• Use within 2 days for optimal safety and quality

• Take care with slicing and food handling to avoid cross-contamination

But overall, when these steps are followed, Sam’s Club salmon is a quality choice for sushi, sashimi, poke bowls, and other raw preparations.

Tips for Cooking Sam’s Salmon

While fine for eating raw, Sam’s Club wild-caught salmon also shines with cooking methods like:

• Pan searing or grilling with the skin for texture

• Broiling or baking seasoned filets

• Cold smoking then serving with a creamy slaw

• Using in salmon burgers or salmon cakes

No matter if cooked or served raw, Sam’s salmon delivers flavor, freshness, and nutrition.

The Verdict on Sam’s Club Salmon

While the packaging has changed, Sam’s Club continues to offer salmon produced to the safety and quality guidelines for raw consumption. Their strict standards, supply chain, and production methods make it a wise choice for sushi and sashimi. Of course, basic precautions should be taken when preparing any raw seafood. But overall, while not explicitly advertised as sashimi-grade, Sam’s wild salmon can be comfortably enjoyed raw in poke bowls, rolls, and other iconic Japanese dishes. For exceptional taste, texture, safety, and savings, it’s a smart choice for sushi fans.