How do you know if Salmon (raw) has gone bad?

Salmon (raw) has likely gone bad if you notice dull, greyish flesh, milky residue; strong fishy or ammonia smell; mushy flesh that does not spring back. When in doubt, throw it out.

How long can Salmon (raw) sit out before it goes bad?

Salmon (raw) should not be left out more than 2 hours (1 hour above 90°F / 32°C). Refrigerate promptly.

How Long Does Salmon (Raw) Last?

Q: How long does Salmon (raw) last in the fridge?

Salmon (raw) lasts 1–2 days in the refrigerator. Keep raw salmon on ice in the coldest part of the fridge and cook it within a day or two. To freeze, wrap tightly to exclude air and prevent freezer burn.

Q: Can you freeze Salmon (raw)?

Yes, Salmon (raw) can be frozen for 2–3 months.

Salmon (Raw) keeps 1–2 days in the refrigerator and 2–3 months in the freezer, according to cited USDA/FDA storage references.

2 cited USDA/FDA/FSIS sources
Editorial review · Verified June 2026

1–2 days

Safe range

2–3 months

Safe range

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Based on USDA/FSIS guidance:

Fresh fish and shellfish should be used within 1 to 2 days of purchase and kept on ice in the coldest part of the refrigerator.

The cited storage data lists 1–2 days refrigerated for this food. Source

Cook salmon to 63°C (145°F) until it flakes easily. Fresh fish should smell of the sea, not strongly fishy.

How to tell if it's gone bad

Look:Dull, greyish flesh, milky residue
Smell:Strong fishy or ammonia smell
Texture:Mushy flesh that does not spring back

When in doubt, throw it out. If Salmon (Raw) smells, looks, or feels off — discard it. Food poisoning is not worth the risk.

Can you freeze Salmon (Raw)?

Yes.Salmon (Raw)keeps 2–3 monthsin the freezer when stored in airtight packaging.

Freeze raw salmon as fresh as possible. Pat the fillets dry, wrap each tightly in plastic then foil or a freezer bag to guard against freezer burn, and use within 2–3 months — oily fish turns rancid faster than lean white fish. Thaw overnight in the fridge and cook it the same day; never thaw fish out on the counter.

Full freezing guide →

How to store Salmon (Raw)

Keep Salmon (Raw) covered in the refrigerator. Use the refrigerator duration shown above for this food state.
Package Salmon (Raw) tightly for the freezer and label the stored date. Use the freezer duration shown above for this food state.
Keep raw Salmon (Raw) sealed below ready-to-eat foods so leaks cannot drip onto them.

Storage tips

Keep raw salmon on ice in the coldest part of the fridge and cook it within a day or two. To freeze, wrap tightly to exclude air and prevent freezer burn.

Is it still good?

Enter when you bought or opened it and where it's stored.

Common questions

How long can Salmon (raw) sit out before it goes bad?: Salmon (raw) should not be left out more than 2 hours (1 hour above 90°F / 32°C). Refrigerate promptly.

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