How long does surimi seafood last?
In the fridge, surimi seafood keeps until the date on the package.
No guideline
Use by the package date
No guideline
Does surimi seafood go bad?
Yes. The fridge time above is the window USDA gives for good quality; after it, surimi seafood 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 surimi seafood has gone bad
General signs for seafood: fresh, the group USDA lists surimi seafood under.
- Strong fishy, sour or ammonia-like smell
- Slimy film on the flesh instead of a moist sheen
- Dull, sunken eyes and grey gills on whole fish
- Flesh that stays dented when pressed instead of springing back
- Dry, browning edges on fillets left uncovered
More on seafood: 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 seafood: fresh last?
Source: USDA FSIS FoodKeeper dataset (public domain). How we decode the data.