Per USDA FoodKeeper
On the counterCounter
2 hours
1 hour if above 90°F
In the fridgeFridge
3–5 days
at or below 40°F (4°C)
In the freezerFreezer
4–10 months
at 0°F; quality, not safety
On the counterCounter
Not recommended
keep it cold
In the fridgeFridge
10–12 months
at or below 40°F (4°C)
In the freezerFreezer
4–10 months
at 0°F; quality, not safety
Quick answer
Yes. Pasteurized crab meat lasts 3–5 days in the fridge and 4–10 months in the freezer. After that, or sooner if stored badly, it spoils: watch for the signs below.
How to tell if pasteurized crab meat is bad
Smell
Strong fishy, sour or ammonia odour. Fresh seafood smells of the sea.
Texture
Mushy flesh that does not spring back, or a milky slime.
Colour
Dull, grey or yellowing flesh; dark edges.
Shells
Live shellfish with open shells that do not close when tapped.
Pasteurized crab meat past the expiration date
Unopened
FoodKeeper gives unopened pasteurized crab meat 10–12 months 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.
Opened
Once opened, the printed date no longer applies. Count 3–5 days in the fridge from the day you open it.
How to keep pasteurized crab meat fresh longer
- Keep on ice or in the coldest part of the fridge, at 40°F (4°C) or below.
- Store live shellfish in a bowl covered with a damp cloth, never in water or sealed plastic.
- Cook or freeze within the fridge window.
More about pasteurized crab meat
FAQ
How long does it take for pasteurized crab meat to go bad?
3–5 days in the fridge, per USDA FoodKeeper. At room temperature, 2 hours.
Can pasteurized crab meat expire?
FoodKeeper gives unopened pasteurized crab meat 10–12 months 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 pasteurized crab meat?
Spoiled perishable food can cause food poisoning: nausea, vomiting, cramps or diarrhoea. See a doctor if symptoms are severe or last more than a few days.
How do you keep pasteurized crab meat from going bad?
Keep on ice or in the coldest part of the fridge, at 40°F (4°C) or below.
Numbers on this page come from USDA FoodKeeper and FSIS guidance. Last verified November 2026. How we verify our data · Report a wrong number