Safefood's tips for handling, storing and preparing fish

Wednesday, 23rd May 2012

- Like any other food, fish should be stored, prepared and cooked as recommended, in effect, treated like raw meat.

- When fish is purchased, it should be frozen or refrigerated promptly.

- If frozen, fish should be stored and defrosted properly in a sealed container on the bottom shelf of a fridge before cooking, to ensure any juices don't drip on to other foods.

- If you are unsure about freshness, fish should smell fresh rather than smelling 'fishy'

- Processed fish products e.g. fish fingers or fillets are convenient and consumers should remember that eating fish coated with a batter will inevitably have a higher fat and salt content and may also be lower in essential nutrients.

- For parents, having fish on children's plates is a good idea and safefood recommends that if buying processed fish products to read the nutrition labels

- Many processed fish products can be cooked from frozen. Consumers should refer to manufacturers' cooking guidelines.