Sushi is a popular sushi dish in the United States. It is so popular, in fact, that many sushi restaurants are opening up across the country. But what if you have some sushi at home? Is it still safe to eat? The answer depends on when you bought it and how long ago you made it. Besides, here are some tips for figuring out whether or not your sushi has gone bad!
Is Fresh Sushi a Safe Food?
There are many sushi lovers out there who would say that sushi is safe to eat even when it isn’t fresh. That’s because sushi has been prepared in a clean environment, the fish used have already gone through quality control inspections, and proper refrigeration techniques are being implemented at all times. However, while sushi can be extremely delicious, some may wonder how long sushi is good for in the fridge.
What makes sushi so special and delicious? It’s all because of the carefully selected ingredients used to prepare it, including fresh raw fish, rice seasoned with vinegar and sugar or salt-based seasonings, seaweed (nori), and toppings such as cucumber slices or avocado pieces. The sushi rice is crucial in sushi because it helps to bind the ingredients together and gives the sushi its flavor.
Sushi and Bacteria Risk
However, sushi is a high risk food. If sushi has gone bad, it may contain bacteria which can cause severe health problems to the person who eats it. As time passes on after sushi was made, more of these microorganisms will be present in sushi that’s not stored properly or prepared under sanitary conditions. Salmonella and E coli are two types of bacteria that sushi can contain, and they are responsible for causing food poisoning.
How long is Sushi Good if Refrigerated Properly
So, how long is sushi good for in the fridge? This really depends on a few different factors such as the ingredients used, how it was prepared, and how it’s stored.
Sushi doesn’t have a long shelf life since it contains fresh, raw fish. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) (official webcite) recommends consuming sushi within two days of preparation. However, if sushi is properly refrigerated at 38 degrees Fahrenheit or below, sushi can be refrigerated for about four days before it should be discarded.
How long is Sushi Good before Being Refrigerated
Sushi is best when eaten right after being prepared but if not consumed immediately, sushi rice will harden and the fish used in sushi may start to spoil quickly. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) (official webcite) advises against eating sushi that has been left out of the fridge for more than two hours.
Sushi can be safe to eat when it’s not fresh as long as it has been refrigerated properly. But, if sushi is left out of the fridge for more than a couple of hours or isn’t refrigerated at all before being eaten, there is a risk that bacteria may have grown and cause food poisoning. It’s best to enjoy sushi as fresh as possible for the best flavor and food safety.
How do You Know When Sushi has Gone Bad
There are a few telltale signs that sushi has gone bad. If the sushi rice is hard and dry, it’s a good indication that the sushi isn’t fresh anymore. Additionally, if the fish used in sushi smells bad or has changed color, then it’s probably not safe to eat.
It can be tricky to know when sushi has gone bad, which is why sushi lovers should always check the expiration date of sushi before consuming it. Sushi that has been refrigerated properly will last up to four days but if sushi isn’t kept cold enough or left out for more than a couple of hours, there’s no telling how long sushi can be good for in the fridge.
However, if you have any doubts about whether or not your sushi has gone bad, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Throw out any sushi that doesn’t look or smell fresh and avoid eating it!
Final Remarks
Sushi is a delicious and healthy food choice, as long as it’s consumed within the two-day expiration window and is properly refrigerated. Always check the sushi expiration date before eating it!