A California-based TikToker revealed how to thaw seafood properly, leaving viewers shocked—and grateful—for the PSA after learning how dangerous it can really be. The warning comes at a time when food-related safety is paramount, especially since the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has wound down operations amid the government shutdown.
What’s The Right Way To Thaw Salmon?
In a viral TikTok, Kyle (@kirbylish) shared the warning with 1.1 million people. Kyle films from their kitchen, laying out several pieces of salmon on the counter.
“Random fun fact as I prepare dinner for later,” Kyle says, showing viewers a vacuum-sealed pack of salmon. “You shouldn’t thaw it in the package.”
Kyle then removes the salmon from the pack and lays it onto a lined tray. “Because apparently, if you thaw it in the vacuum-sealed package it comes in, you can increase the risk of botulism.”
“The more you know,” Kyle concludes.
What Is Botulism?
Botulism is rare; however, it can be quite serious and even fatal in certain cases. Some symptoms include difficulty breathing, muscle paralysis and—in extreme cases—death.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), it’s a toxin that attacks the body’s nerves. Food-borne botulism can be the result of poorly home-canned goods or fermented goods. These are considered the right conditions for “spores to grow and make botulinum toxin.” One of these conditions—low oxygen—can be a catalyst for the bacteria to grow. It makes sense, then, that a vacuum-sealed package, which has little to no oxygen, can be the perfect environment for the toxin to develop.
For this reason, frozen seafood, like fish or salmon, should never be thawed inside the bag.
“The warmer the temperature, the quicker the toxin forms. And when temperatures rise above 38 degrees Fahrenheit—i.e., the moment you remove it from the refrigerator—the risk for botulism increases greatly,” an article on Southern Living states. The FDA recommends thawing the seafood in your fridge or removing it from the package altogether.
What Did People Think Of Kyle’s PSA?
Many folks were shocked that they had narrowly avoided contracting botulism, saying they never thought of the dangers of improper thawing/storage.
“It’s a miracle I’m not dead,” one user wrote, while another echoed, “Am I doing ANYTHING right?”
One user added, “Not me thawing the exact same fish in the packaging two days ago.”
“You are 100% correct,” another comment read. “Heath inspector here.”
@kirbylish The more you know #seafoodtok #botulism
So, How Do You Properly Thaw Seafood?
Kyle was right, but the FDA added some more advice on how to thaw seafood, especially if you’re in a hurry.
“Thaw frozen seafood gradually by placing it in the refrigerator overnight,” the resource states. “If you have to thaw seafood quickly, either seal it in a plastic bag and immerse it in cold water, or — if the food will be cooked immediately thereafter — microwave it on the “defrost” setting and stop the defrost cycle while the fish is still icy but pliable.”
BroBible reached out to Kyle via TikTok direct message.