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How long does raw fish last?
Quick answer
Raw fish lasts 2 days in the refrigerator, and about 1 hour at room temperature. In the freezer it keeps for 6 months (quality — frozen food stays safe indefinitely).
| Where | Safe for |
|---|---|
| 🏠 Room temperature (counter) | 1 hour |
| 🧊 Refrigerator (≤40°F / 4°C) | 2 days |
| ❄️ Freezer (0°F / −18°C) | 6 months |
Good to know1-2 days only. Fresh fish shouldn't smell fishy.
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How to tell if raw fish has gone bad
Raw proteins have the strictest timelines in your kitchen. When in doubt, the freezer is your friend. Trust your senses before any calculator — including ours. Throw raw fish away if you notice:
- An off, sour, or unusual smell that wasn't there when fresh
- A slimy, sticky, or tacky surface texture
- Visible mould or unexpected discolouration
- It's been past the safe window in the table above
⚠️ Bacteria that cause food poisoning often produce no smell, taste, or visible change. Food can look perfectly fine and still make you sick — that's why the time limits matter even when everything seems okay.
Storage tips for raw fish
Store raw meat on the bottom shelf, in a dish or tray. One drip of raw chicken juice onto ready-to-eat food below is how most home cross-contamination happens.
If you won't cook it within the fridge window, freeze it on day one — not on the last day. Freezing pauses the clock but doesn't rewind it.
Not sure about your exact situation?
Tell the checker where your raw fish has been and for how long — get an instant verdict.
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