I bought salmon a week ago and wanted to make it for dinner today. When I took it out of the refrigerator, it had a yellow stain on it. What is it?

I Bought Salmon a Week Ago and Found a Yellow Stain — What Does It Mean?

Understanding Salmon Discoloration and When It’s Safe to Eat

You pull salmon out of the refrigerator, ready to cook dinner, and notice a yellow stain or patch on the flesh. Naturally, alarm bells go off. Is it spoiled? Is it dangerous? Should you throw it away?

Here’s what that yellow discoloration on salmon usually means—and how to decide whether it’s still safe to eat.

Common Reasons Salmon Turns Yellow

1. Fat Oxidation (Most Common Cause)

Salmon is rich in healthy fats, especially omega-3 fatty acids. Over time, even under refrigeration, these fats can oxidize when exposed to air. This process can cause: