Seafood safety experts say there are dangers in the packaging of your frozen fish.

This is what you should do instead.

Frozen fish is generally sold in vacuum-sealed packaging which offers a number of benefits.

four packages of different fish in vacuum-sealed, labeled trays on a blue background

Why cant you defrost fish in its original packaging?

With all of its advantages, it can be hard to believe that vacuum-sealed packaging can present any risk.

Defrosting frozen fish inside its original packaging seems like the convenient, obvious choiceso cleanand contained.

Broth in Bowl on gray background, healthy food, top view.

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Plus, if the lack of oxygen helps keep the fish fresh, then how can it be dangerous?

A tiny amount of this toxin can cause severe symptoms and is often fatal if not treated immediately.

How should you safely defrost frozen fish?

Close-up of sliced purple cabbage,

Well, according to both Pilot and Ciaramella, youll want to start by opening the packaging.

Keeping the fish at a safe temperature (41F or below) helps prevent bacteria from growing.

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A hand is stirring a sourdough starter in a glass jar, on a kitchen countertop. The light casts a warm glow, highlighting the ingredients inside the jar.

Frozen beef steaks on brownish packaging paper. Light effect.

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