How long does herring last?
In the fridge, herring keeps for 4 to 6 months from the package date.
No guideline
4 to 6 months
from the package date
No guideline
Does herring go bad?
Yes. The fridge time above is the window USDA gives for good quality; after it, herring 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 herring has gone bad
General signs for seafood: smoked, the group USDA lists herring under.
- Sour or ammonia smell replacing the usual smoky scent
- Slimy film forming on the surface
- Dull, dry edges curling up on the flesh
- Mould spots, often white or greenish
- Package that has lost its vacuum seal or looks puffy
More on seafood: smoked. The times above are quality guidelines, not safety limits; food that shows these signs goes out regardless of the date.
How long do other seafood: smoked last?
Source: USDA FSIS FoodKeeper dataset (public domain). How we decode the data.