Frozen raw fish Per USDA FoodKeeper
On the counterCounter
Not recommended
keep it cold
In the fridgeFridge
3–4 days
at or below 40°F (4°C)
In the freezerFreezer
6 months
at 0°F; quality, not safety
Quick answer
Yes. Frozen raw fish lasts 3–4 days in the fridge and 6 months in the freezer. After that, or sooner if stored badly, it spoils: watch for the signs below.
How to tell if frozen raw fish is bad
Freezer burn
Dry, greyish-white patches. Safe, but trim them off.
Ice crystals
Heavy ice inside the pack means it has thawed and refrozen.
Smell
Off smell after thawing — discard.
Package
Torn packaging lets air in and speeds quality loss.
Frozen raw fish past the expiration date
Best-by and sell-by
FoodKeeper gives unopened frozen raw fish 3–4 days in the fridge, counted from the day you buy it. "Best-by" and "sell-by" describe quality and stock rotation, not safety; only infant formula carries a federally required use-by date.
Past the date
Frozen raw fish past its best-by date is usually safe if stored well; check smell, look and taste before using.
How to keep frozen raw fish fresh longer
- Recommendation is for storage after cooking.
- Keep frozen. For safety, cook as directed.
- Keep your freezer at 0°F (-18°C) or colder.
More about frozen raw fish
FAQ
How long does it take for frozen raw fish to go bad?
3–4 days in the fridge, per USDA FoodKeeper.
Can frozen raw fish expire?
FoodKeeper gives unopened frozen raw fish 3–4 days in the fridge, counted from the day you buy it. "Best-by" and "sell-by" describe quality and stock rotation, not safety; only infant formula carries a federally required use-by date.
What happens if you eat bad frozen raw fish?
Usually an unpleasant taste rather than illness, but discard anything mouldy, rancid or smelling off.
How do you keep frozen raw fish from going bad?
Recommendation is for storage after cooking.
Numbers on this page come from USDA FoodKeeper and FSIS guidance. Last verified November 2026. How we verify our data · Report a wrong number