Can You Eat Fish After the Use-By Date?
Written by Jordan Morley · Reviewed against FSA date labelling guidance · Last updated 28 October 2026
No. Fish has a use-by date, which is about safety, not quality. Don't eat it after the date, even if it looks and smells fine.
Why the use-by date matters
A use-by date is a safety deadline. Fish and shellfish spoil faster than most foods, and bacteria multiply even at fridge temperatures. Some fish also build up histamine as they age, which cooking does not remove. The date is how long the manufacturer has tested the food to be safe when stored as the label says. The FSA's advice is not to eat, cook or freeze food after its use-by date, since food can look and smell normal while it is unsafe. The date means 'up to and including' that day, provided the food has been kept as the label says. A best-before date, by contrast, is only about quality.
You can also check the calorie content of fish alongside its safety information.
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Fish: the other answers on this site
| Question | Short answer (links to the full page) |
|---|---|
| In pregnancy | Safe — with a few limits |
| Reheating | Yes — once, gently |
| Left out overnight | No — throw it away (limit about 2 h) |
Common questions
Can I eat fish on the use-by date itself?
Yes: the use-by date is the last day it is safe, as long as it has been stored as the label says (usually in the fridge at 5°C or below) and, once opened, used within any 'use within' time on the pack. The day after, it is past the date.
Can I cook fish thoroughly to make it safe after the date?
No. The FSA says not to eat, cook or freeze food after its use-by date. Cooking kills many bacteria, but you can't tell by looking or smelling whether the food was already unsafe (the FSA says people can't always smell the bugs that cause food poisoning), and some bacteria produce heat-stable toxins that cooking does not destroy.
Can I freeze fish on its use-by date?
Yes, as long as you freeze it on or before the date, not after. Freezing pauses the clock. USDA FoodKeeper suggests about 6–8 months for best quality. Defrost in the fridge and use within 24 hours (FSA).
How long does fish keep if there's no label?
In the fridge at 5°C or below, USDA FoodKeeper gives 1–2 days for fresh fish. If the pack has a use-by date, always follow that, since it applies to the product as sold.
What is the difference between use-by and best-before?
Use-by is about safety: do not eat after it. Best-before is about quality: the food is often fine after it, just past its best. Check which one is on your label.
Related answers
Primary source: FSA date labelling guidance.
General information only, not medical advice: see the medical disclaimer. Feeling unwell after eating something? Contact NHS 111 or your GP.