Crab meat is a delicious seafood that many people love to eat. However it is highly perishable and needs to be consumed within a short period of time after purchase. This leads to the common question – how long is crab meat good after the sell by date? Here is a detailed guide to help you understand crab meat’s shelf life and safety after the sell by date.
What is the Shelf Life of Crab Meat?
The shelf life of crab meat varies depending on whether it is fresh or pasteurized.
Fresh crab meat will last for 1 to 2 days beyond the sell-by date if kept refrigerated at 40°F or below It’s best to use it within this short window for optimal quality and taste
Pasteurized crab meat in vacuum sealed packaging will keep for 3 to 5 days past the sell-by date if continuously refrigerated. The pasteurization process helps extend its shelf life by destroying pathogens and spoilage bacteria.
For both types, don’t go more than 7 days past the sell-by date even if refrigerated. Quality and safety decline rapidly after that.
How to Tell if Crab Meat Has Gone Bad
Here are some signs that indicate spoiled crab meat beyond its safe shelf life:
- Unpleasant “fishy” or ammonia-like odor
- Slimy texture and mushiness
- Discoloration – greyish, brownish or yellowish tinge
- Mold growth on the surface
If you notice any of these, it’s best to discard the crab meat right away. Consuming spoiled crab can cause food poisoning.
Tips to Safely Store and Use Crab Meat
Here are some tips to store crab meat correctly and safely use it past the sell by date:
- Keep the crab meat chilled at 40°F or below continuously after purchase. Use it within 2 days for fresh crab meat or 5 days for pasteurized.
- Don’t open the packaging until you are ready to use it. Keep it sealed.
- Check for signs of spoilage before use. Look for off smells, texture changes and discoloration.
- Cook crab meat thoroughly to an internal temperature of 145°F before eating.
- Once opened, use within 1 to 2 days. Don’t go beyond 3 days even if refrigerated.
- Freeze for longer term storage. Crab meat lasts 2 to 3 months in the freezer.
- When thawing, do it overnight in the fridge. Don’t thaw at room temperature.
- Avoid direct cross-contamination. Use a separate cutting board and utensils while handling raw crab.
The sell by date is a good guideline for crab meat’s peak freshness and flavor. But you can safely use it for a few days beyond if stored properly. Follow these tips to enjoy crab meat without worrying about food safety issues. Discard immediately if you notice any spoilage signs. Enjoy this delicious seafood while it’s still at its best!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does fresh crab meat last after the sell by date?
Fresh crab meat will last for 1 to 2 days past the sell by date if continuously refrigerated at 40°F or below. It’s best to use it within this window for optimal quality.
What is the shelf life of pasteurized crab meat after the sell by date?
Properly stored pasteurized crab meat will last for 3 to 5 days beyond the sell by date as long as it is kept refrigerated. The pasteurization process extends its shelf life slightly longer than fresh crab meat.
Can you freeze crab meat to extend its shelf life?
Yes, freezing is a great way to extend the shelf life of crab meat. It will keep well for 2 to 3 months in the freezer before quality starts to decline. Make sure to thaw it properly in the fridge overnight before using.
How do you know if crab meat has gone bad and become unsafe to eat?
Signs of spoiled, unsafe crab meat are unpleasant “fishy” smell, slimy mushy texture, greyish or brownish discoloration, and mold growth. If you notice any of these, discard the crab meat right away. Don’t taste it.
Is it safe to eat crab meat that smells a little off?
No, it is not safe to eat crab meat with an unpleasant or “off” smell. Any spoiled smell means it has likely been colonized by bacteria and should not be consumed. Discard it immediately if it has any funky odors. Don’t risk getting food poisoning.
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| Fridge | Freezer | |
|---|---|---|
| Live Crab in Shell lasts for | About 12 Hours | — |
| Cooked Crab in Shell lasts for | 2-4 Days | — |
| Canned Crab (no shell) lasts for | 8-18 Months (1 week after opening) | — |
| Imitation Crab lasts for | 2 Months (or 2-3 days past use by date) Use within 3-4 days of opening | 6 Months |
Of course, crab lasts for a shorter period of time if it is not stored properly. Crabs, like a lot of other proteins, may have a use by date and this date should be fairly accurate as to when to safely use up any remaining crab.
How to tell if Crab is bad, rotten or spoiled?
Practicing proper hygiene and food safety techniques will help prevent foodborne illness.
Crab should smell fresh like the sea. Only purchase whole crabs that are either still completely alive or cooked. A cooked crab of any type should have a shell that is some shade of red in color (yes, even blue crabs). Never buy a dead crab because they release enzymes that turn their meat to mush when they die.
Older crab will begin to smell and to build a sticky or milky substance around itself. The white meat will begin to turn a blue or grey color. The flavor will be off if any of these spoiled symptoms exist, so it is not advised to taste crab with these qualities.
There are, of course, certain health risks associated with spoiled foods so always remember to practice food safety and enjoy your foods before their shelf life has expired!