Short Answer: If you accidentally ate expired salmon, you may get food poisoning from salmonella bacteria, which can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps.
Salmon is a type of fish that is popular and nutritious, known for its delicate flavor and health benefits.
However, like any perishable food, salmon can spoil if not stored or handled properly.
If you accidentally eat expired salmon, you may experience symptoms of food poisoning, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps.
This is because it may contain salmonella bacteria, which can cause salmonellosis, a common bacterial disease that affects the intestinal tract.
Salmonella bacteria live in the intestines of people, animals, and birds, and are shed through feces.
They can contaminate food or water that has been exposed to fecal matter.
Salmonella infection can cause dehydration and complications if it spreads beyond the intestines.
It is quite uncommon to eat expired salmon, as most people check the expiration date and the appearance, smell, and texture of the fish before cooking or consuming it.
However, sometimes the signs of spoilage may not be obvious, or the salmon may have been stored improperly, leading to premature spoilage.
You can prevent food poisoning from expired salmon by discarding any fish that is past its expiration date, has a sour or off smell, or is discolored, slimy, or moldy.
You should also cook salmon thoroughly to kill any bacteria, and refrigerate or freeze any leftovers promptly.
To avoid accidental eating of expired salmon, you should always store it in a sealed container in the coldest part of the refrigerator or freezer, and label it with the date of purchase.
You should also follow the recommended storage times for fresh or frozen salmon, which are usually 1 to 2 days and 2 to 3 months, respectively.
Finally, remember, salmon is a delicious and healthy food, but only if it is fresh and safe to eat.
Always check the quality of your salmon before you enjoy it, and seek medical attention if you develop any symptoms of food poisoning.