Avoid uncooked cold-smoked fish for vulnerable people

Why it matters

Cold smoking does not cook fish; Listeria can grow in refrigerated ready-to-eat fish and seriously harm vulnerable people.

What to do

1. Before preparing food for a pregnant, older or immunocompromised person, check how the fish was processed.
2. Do not serve uncooked cold-smoked fish to vulnerable people; choose thoroughly cooked fish instead.
3. Refrigeration and a ready-to-eat label are not proof of safety; agree on a cooked alternative with the employer.

Sources and review

• Centre for Food Safety — CFS: Cold-smoked Salmon and Listeria monocytogenes
  Last reviewed: 2026-09-20

This page provides general home-safety information and does not replace medical, legal, electrical, or other professional advice.