How long does duckling last?
In the fridge, duckling keeps for 1 to 2 days from the package date.
No guideline
1 to 2 days
from the package date
No guideline
Does duckling go bad?
Yes. The fridge time above is the window USDA gives for good quality; after it, duckling may still be safe for a short while but quality drops and spoilage signs start. The date on the package is the maker's quality promise; the times here count from purchase unless marked "from the package date".
Two numbers to keep in mind: a fridge at 40 F (4 C) or below, and no more than 2 hours at room temperature (1 hour above 90 F / 32 C) for anything perishable.
How to tell duckling has gone bad
General signs for poultry: fresh, the group USDA lists duckling under.
- Slimy, tacky or sticky texture on the skin or flesh
- Strong sour, sulfur-like or ammonia smell
- Grey tint spreading across the whole surface, not just one spot
- Packaging that is puffy, leaking or torn
- Sticky residue left behind on a cutting board after rinsing
More on poultry: fresh. The times above are quality guidelines, not safety limits; food that shows these signs goes out regardless of the date.
How long do other poultry: fresh last?
Source: USDA FSIS FoodKeeper dataset (public domain). How we decode the data.