How long does shrimp, shellfish last?
In the fridge, shrimp, shellfish keeps for 3 to 4 days from purchase.
No guideline
3 to 4 days
from purchase
No guideline
Does shrimp, shellfish go bad?
Yes. The fridge time above is the window USDA gives for good quality; after it, shrimp, shellfish 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 shrimp, shellfish has gone bad
- Raw shrimp, scallop and lobster flesh should be clear with a pearl-like colour and little or no odour.
- A sour, rancid, fishy or ammonia smell in raw or cooked shellfish means do not eat it. These odours get stronger after cooking.
- Live clams, oysters and mussels should have closed shells, or shells that close when tapped. Throw out any with cracked or broken shells, and any that stay shut after cooking.
- Use fresh shellfish within 2 days of buying, kept at 40 F (4 C) or below, or freeze it. Cooked shrimp and shellfish keep 3 to 4 days in the fridge.
Sources: Selecting and Serving Fresh and Frozen Seafood Safely (FDA). The times on this page are quality guidelines, not safety limits; food that shows these signs goes out regardless of the date.
How long do other food purchased frozen last?
Source: USDA FSIS FoodKeeper dataset (public domain). How we decode the data.