Q:  How can you figure out if the fish is fresh?


 A: *fish icon* The fish's eyes should be clear and bulge a little. Only a few fish, such as walleye, have naturally cloudy eyes.

*fish icon* Whole fish and fillets should have firm and shiny flesh. Dull flesh may mean the fish is old. Fresh whole fish also should have bright red gills free from slime.

*fish icon* If the flesh doesn't spring back when pressed, the fish isn't fresh.

*fish icon* There should be no darkening around the edges of the fish or brown or yellowish discoloration.

*fish icon* The fish should smell fresh and mild, not fishy or ammonia-like.

Email this Page
To a Friend
email a friend

 

Source: Excerpted from FDA Consumer, February 1999: Critical Steps Toward Safer Seafood

Refresh Q&A Frames
Foods Home   |   FDA Home   |   Search/Subject Index   |   Disclaimers & Privacy Policy   |   Accessibility/Help