Eating day old sushi can increase your risk of food poisoning. Sushi rice contains bacteria that can multiply quickly at room temperature. Old sushi may also contain pathogens and toxins from fish that spoils quickly. However, the chance of getting sick depends on how the sushi was stored and prepared.
Can you eat day old sushi?
It’s generally not recommended to eat sushi that is more than 24 hours old. Sushi rice, raw fish, and other ingredients are highly perishable. Bacteria like Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus aureus can multiply quickly at room temperature and produce toxins that cause food poisoning. Refrigerating sushi can slow bacteria growth, but does not make it safe to eat past a day.
How long can sushi sit out?
Sushi should not sit out at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Between 41°F and 135°F is the “danger zone” where bacteria can rapidly multiply. If sushi sits out too long, toss it even if refrigerated after.
Can old sushi make you sick?
Yes, eating old sushi can make you sick. The rice and raw fish provide ideal conditions for bacteria to multiply. After 24 hours, sushi contains dangerous levels of bacteria that can cause foodborne illness. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps.
What are the risks of eating old sushi?
There are a few risks associated with consuming old or spoiled sushi:
- Food poisoning – Eating sushi that contains toxins from pathogenic bacteria can cause symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramping.
- Allergic reaction – Bacteria breaking down proteins in fish can create histamine and cause an allergic reaction in sensitive individuals.
- Parasites – Parasites like Anisakis can survive in fish for some time. Old sushi may contain parasites if the fish was not previously frozen.
- Mercury exposure – Fish such as tuna can contain high mercury levels. Eating old tuna sushi can expose you to mercury poisoning.
What bacteria grow on old sushi?
Several types of dangerous bacteria can grow on perishable sushi ingredients like rice, fish, and seaweed:
- Bacillus cereus – Causes vomiting and diarrhea
- Staphylococcus aureus – Causes severe nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
- Salmonella – Causes fever, cramps, vomiting, and diarrhea
- Vibrio parahaemolyticus – Causes watery diarrhea and abdominal pain
- Listeria monocytogenes – Causes fever, muscle aches, nausea, and diarrhea
How to tell if sushi has gone bad
Here are some signs that indicate sushi has spoiled and is unsafe to eat:
- Smell – Sushi gives off a sour, vinegary, ammonia, or fishy smell
- Appearance – Discoloration, slimy texture, or mushy rice
- Taste – Sour, bitter, or unpleasant taste
- Dry, crispy rice – Indicates dried out, old sushi
- Mold – Visible fuzzy mold growing on any ingredient
What happens if you eat bad sushi?
Eating spoiled, contaminated sushi can cause food poisoning. Symptoms may include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal cramps
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Chills
- Headache
- Muscle aches
Symptoms can begin within hours of eating bad sushi or take a few days to develop. Seek medical care if symptoms are severe or last more than a couple days.
Can old sushi kill you?
It is very unlikely old sushi will kill you, but food poisoning from toxins or bacteria in spoiled sushi can make you severely ill. People with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to severe illness. Seek medical attention if you experience concerning symptoms after eating old sushi.
How to store sushi safely
Proper storage is important for sushi safety. Follow these guidelines:
- Keep sushi refrigerated at 40°F or colder until ready to eat
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap to prevent drying out
- Avoid storing sushi for more than 24 hours
- Don’t let sushi sit out at room temperature for more than 2 hours
- Consume take-out or delivery sushi within 2 hours
Can you refrigerate sushi overnight?
It’s not recommended to eat refrigerated sushi that is more than 24 hours old. Some bacteria can still grow and produce toxins even at refrigerator temperatures. Refrigeration can help slow spoilage but does not make sushi safe to eat after more than a day.
Should sushi be sealed airtight?
Yes, sushi should be sealed airtight for storage in the refrigerator. Wrapping sushi rolls tightly in plastic wrap helps prevent drying out, oxidation, and contamination. An airtight container is also an effective way to store sushi overnight.
Who is at risk for food poisoning from sushi?
Certain groups of people are more likely to get sick from eating spoiled sushi:
- Young children
- Elderly
- Pregnant women
- Those with compromised immune systems
- People taking antacids or acid reducers
- Those with liver disease or diabetes
Their risk is higher because they are more vulnerable to infection, dehydration, and complications from foodborne illness.
Can old sushi make pregnant women sick?
Yes, pregnant women are especially susceptible to food poisoning from old sushi. Hormone changes in pregnancy suppress the immune system, making expectant mothers more prone to illness from bacteria and parasites. Foodborne infection can also cause dehydration, fever, miscarriage, and preterm birth.
How to handle and prepare sushi safely
Practicing proper food safety when handling raw sushi ingredients can reduce the risk of illness:
- Wash hands and surfaces before and after contact
- Avoid cross-contamination between ingredients
- Use clean knives, cutting boards, pans, etc.
- Cook seafood like shrimp properly before eating
- Make sure fish intended for raw consumption has been frozen first
- Refrigerate perishable ingredients like tuna, salmon, and avocado
Should sushi fish be frozen first?
Fish served raw in sushi should be frozen first to kill any parasites. According to FDA guidelines, fish should be frozen at -4°F for 7 days, or -31°F for 15 hours before preparing raw. Home freezers are usually between 0°F to 10°F and may not freeze fish adequately for raw consumption.
Is it safe to make sushi at home?
Making sushi at home can be safe if food safety guidelines are followed. Use fresh, high-quality seafood properly frozen ahead of time. Prepare and handle ingredients hygienically. Refrigerate any pre-made rolls, and consume within 24 hours. Storing ingredients properly and avoiding cross-contamination reduces risk.
Preventing foodborne illness from sushi
You can reduce your risk of getting sick by taking the following preventive measures:
- Avoid higher risk individuals eating raw or undercooked fish
- Check expiration and use-by dates
- Inspect sushi before eating
- Make sure seafood was previously frozen if served raw
- Refrigerate sushi properly until ready to eat
- Don’t leave sushi sitting out at room temperature
- Avoid buffet and self-serve sushi after 2 hours
What kind of fish can you eat raw?
Some popular fish that are often safely consumed raw in sushi include:
- Tuna
- Salmon
- Yellowtail
- Sea bass
- Fluke
- Sea urchin
These should be sushi-grade, high-quality, and previously frozen to eliminate parasites per FDA guidelines. Avoid high mercury fish like tilefish and swordfish raw.
Is it safe to eat sushi from a gas station?
It is not recommended to consume sushi sold at gas stations or convenience stores. The high turnover means sushi has likely been sitting out for several hours, well within the danger zone for bacterial growth. Gas station sushi also carries higher risks of improper storage, handling, and preparation.
What to do if you’ve eaten bad sushi
If you suspect you’ve eaten contaminated or spoiled sushi, take the following steps:
- Drink plenty of fluids – Prevent dehydration from vomiting/diarrhea
- Take an antidiarrheal medication – Help slow/stop diarrhea episodes
- Manage fever and body aches with medications
- Eat bland, easy-to-digest foods once appetite returns
- Avoid further contaminated foods
- Wash hands thoroughly after using bathroom
- Call doctor if symptoms are severe or persist longer than 48 hours
When should you go to the ER for food poisoning?
Seek emergency medical treatment if you experience:
- Blood in vomit or stools
- Difficulty breathing
- Confusion or disorientation
- High fever over 102°F
- Signs of dehydration like dizziness or rapid heart rate
- Persistent vomiting making it difficult to take meds/fluids
- Symptoms lasting longer than 3 days
Can you take anything to prevent food poisoning from sushi?
There is no foolproof way to prevent illness completely. But taking probiotic supplements may help reduce risk by crowding out bad bacteria. Staying hydrated and avoiding foods that interact with bacteria-fighting stomach acid can also help minimize risk of food poisoning.
Conclusion
Eating old or spoiled sushi comes with considerable risk of developing unpleasant food poisoning. Storing sushi properly and consuming within a safe timeframe can help mitigate risk. But when in doubt, it’s best to throw sushi out after 24 hours and make or order fresh. Following food safety guidelines for handling raw seafood can also help prevent bacterial contamination and illness.
