Is spoiled tilapia safe to eat?
Quick Answer
No
Eating spoiled tilapia can lead to foodborne illness. It’s important to properly store and cook tilapia to ensure it’s safe to eat.
What Is It?
Spoiled tilapia refers to tilapia that has gone bad due to improper storage, handling, or past its expiration date. It may have a foul smell, slimy texture, and an off color.
How to Tell
- A strong, sour smell
- A slimy or sticky texture
- Discoloration or dark spots on the fish
- If the fish is past its expiration date
Why It Can Be Risky
Eating spoiled tilapia poses several health risks, including:
- Food poisoning
- Stomach upset
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
Safe Method?
To ensure tilapia is safe to eat, it should be stored properly in a refrigerator or freezer and cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F.
Can You Just Cut It Off?
If tilapia shows any signs of spoilage, it’s best to err on the side of caution and discard it.
Safe Alternatives
If you’re unsure about the freshness of your tilapia, consider alternatives like fresh salmon, cod, or canned fish which have longer shelf lives.
Storage Tips
Store tilapia in the refrigerator if you plan to cook it within a couple of days’, ‘For longer storage, freeze tilapia immediately after purchase’, ‘Always keep tilapia in a sealed container to prevent cross-contamination
Preparation Tips
Thaw frozen tilapia in the refrigerator, not at room temperature’, ‘Cook tilapia thoroughly to kill any potential bacteria’, ‘Avoid cross-contamination by cleaning cutting boards and utensils after handling raw tilapia