What Is Sushi Grade Fish And Where Can I Buy It?

What Makes Fish “Sushi Grade Fish” And Where Can I Buy This Special Seafood

The question of what defines sushi grade fish (sometimes also called “sashimi grade fish,” though not as commonly) and “where to buy sushi grade fish” comes up often and no one seems to accurately or qualitatively answer that question. After some research I am now able to provide information as to the guidelines and regulations that are followed in the seafood industry in terms of serving raw seafood. One of the variables that makes sushi and other edible raw seafood more expensive than regular seafood from the grocery store is not just because it’s from a restaurant, but because of the careful and somewhat standardized steps taken to make it safe to eat.

As for micro standards for sushi or sashimi grade seafood, I have spoken with many in the seafood industry who supply “sushi grade fish” for sushi and sashimi served at restaurants and they all give me the same answer… They do not know of any regulations from either the FDA or any other agencies regarding ‘sushi grade’ seafood, which is why suppliers have set up their own micro and chemical parameters for their products. A personal search of FDA documents turns up the same results, no clear standards as to what makes fish ‘sushi grade’ or ‘sashimi grade’ and no definition of the term. Ultimately, “sushi grade fish” is simply an industry created term that is used to indicate that the seafood is of the highest quality and safe to eat raw. It is, however, an unregulated term, but the notion offers the seller and the consumer (pun not intended, or is it?) confidence that the fish (or any sushi grade seafood) won’t make the diner ill. And it can vary from fish to fish.

The Details of Processing And Storing Fish That Will Be Eaten Raw

The only concern any inspectors have is referred to as the parasite destruction guarantee, which is accomplished by ‘freezing and storing seafood at -4°F (-20°C) or below for 7 days (total time), or freezing at -31°F (-35°C) or below until solid and storing at -31°F (-35°C) or below for 15 hours, or freezing at -31°F (-35°C) or below until solid and storing at -4°F (-20°C) or below for 24 hours’ which is sufficient to kill parasites. The FDA’s Food Code (2017 FDA Food Code 3-402.11)¹ recommends these freezing conditions to retailers who provide fish intended for raw consumption (for further information, please visit the FDA website). Some exceptions to that rule are bluefin tuna, yellowfin tuna, and farmed salmon.

That may all be a mouthful, but it’s the facts. Other than a few specific organisms of concern for some seafood, sashimi standards are set as any other ready-to-eat item, e.g. sushi. This means that, aside from the FDA recommendations and local regulations, there are no specific laws or recommendations for “sushi grade” or “sashimi grade” fish per se, though proper handling of the food is an obvious factor, particularly if you are making sushi yourself. There are are also organizations discussing the uncertainty and trying to draw attention to the current clack of clarity. So while there are requirements in place after catching certain fish, it is mostly a marketing term. However, one of the additional benefits of flash freezing freshly caught fish is that is will preserve the seafood’s freshness and flavor.

Obvious Signs To Look For With Any Sushi Grade Seafood

There are a few things a person should be aware of when eating sushi to ensure the fish is fresh, primarily that the flesh is firm and has a pleasant and not “overly fishy” smell (that being said, some fish have a stronger “fishy” smell than others, such as mackerel versus tuna, and this is normal as long as id does not have a bad odor). If you have the fish itself before slicing it into sushi or sashimi, you will also want to check to ensure it has bright eyes, and that the body shows no obvious signs of bruising, discoloration, or obvious damage.

As for those on the serving side, their main concern seems to be with the seafood vendors. Many of them will declare that the products they provide are “sushi/sashimi” grade but with no standards to back up those claims. In the U.S. parasite destruction is required for those species where that hazard is identified but you’ll find that most chefs will claim that they use “fresh” salmon and other products. This may be because they do not know, perhaps it is delivered thawed by the local supplier (who may or may not have frozen it according to the requirements), or they may even use fresh, never frozen, salmon. The term “fresh” for sushi quality fish has been linked to higher quality in the minds of many consumers and therefore the restaurants use this as a selling point even though the product may have been previously frozen (usually aboard the fishing vessel) and serving certain species without proper freezing is against regulations.

Sushi rice is another critical part of sushi preparation, for many reasons. Many sushi restaurants use acidification for bacterial control but the final sushi products must be cooled to below 40F before put onto display in a self-service case (in the case of supermarkets, et. al.). However, sushi restaurants do not cool the items before serving to customers since such a short time lapses between preparation and consumption. Once the rice is acidified, time is not used as a control and therefore it can be stored at room temperature where the quality is best and it is also easiest with which to work.

As you can see, there are many issues that affect the quality of the sushi served in restaurants or as ‘ready-to-eat’ meals. But with no federal regulations, it’s all about practical standards and local regulations. When you eat sushi from a quality establishment, you may expect that the FDA requirements for parasitic destruction have been followed, however you are at the mercy of the preparer to make sure that subsequent to being frozen and thawed, your food has been handled properly. On the whole, I don’t worry. But I also don’t eat anywhere that seems like they may not be devoted to proper sanitary standards. Good sushi is, in my opinion, well worth the minimal risk.

There are numerous online sources of sushi grade fish that ship overnight, but if you are fortunate enough to have a Japanese grocery store in your area they often carry thawed fish and other seafood in their chilled section. Be careful as any fish you buy at a store that carries it should be labeled “sushi/sashimi grade,” though, (or some equivalent) or you risk buying fish not intended to be eaten raw.

We at SushiFAQ buy our seafood from Catalina Offshore Products here and very much enjoy their offerings and service.

Citations

1. US FDA 2017 Food Code