Once opened, Crab meat (pasteurized) keeps about 3–5 days in the fridge. Unopened, it keeps about 10–12 months.
3–5 days opened in the fridge, against 10–12 months sealed in the fridge. Green is what this situation leaves you; husk is what it spends.
| Situation | Keeps for |
|---|---|
| Unopened · fridge | 10–12 months |
| Opened · fridge | 3–5 days |
| Freezer | 4–10 months |
Air and warmth are what shorten an opened item's life — the right container buys back the days the packaging gives up once the seal's broken.
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About 3–5 days refrigerated at 40°F (4°C) or below, according to USDA FoodKeeper v128. Refrigerate it once it's open.
Yes — keep Crab meat (pasteurized) at 40°F (4°C) or below once it's open. Refrigerate at 40°F (4°C) or below.
Look for: A strong fishy, sour, or ammonia smell; A slimy film, or dull sunken eyes on whole fish; Flesh that doesn't spring back when pressed; Discoloration or darkening at the edges. Those are the general signs for seafood — USDA FoodKeeper v128 publishes no spoilage note for Crab meat (pasteurized) specifically. Never taste something to test it — when in doubt, throw it out.
Yes — USDA FoodKeeper v128 gives about 4–10 months in the freezer at 0°F (−18°C). Frozen food stays safe indefinitely; that window is about quality, not safety.