Fish: Storage, Freezing, Reheating and Pregnancy Answers

Written by Jordan Morley · Reviewed against NHS, FSA and USDA FoodKeeper guidance · Last updated 28 October 2026

This page pulls together the 20 fish answers on the site: how long it keeps, whether you can freeze it, whether you can reheat it, how long it can be left out, what the date on the label means, where it stands in pregnancy and what applies while breastfeeding. The table gives the short answer for each; the page behind each row gives the full reasoning, the source and the exceptions.

In pregnancy: Fish is safe and recommended during pregnancy: aim for 2 portions a week, but limit oily fish to 2 portions, limit tuna, and avoid shark, swordfish and marlin.

Worth knowing: Reheating fish is safe under the standard rules: it must have been cooled within 2 hours of cooking, kept refrigerated, and be reheated to 75°C (165°F) throughout, once only. Fish is delicate, so gentle methods — a covered dish in the oven, or short microwave bursts — get it safely hot without turning it to rubber.

Quick answers

Question	Short answer	Full answer
Can you eat it when pregnant?	🟢 Safe — with a few limits	Fish when pregnant?
While breastfeeding?	🟢 Safe	Raw Fish when breastfeeding?
How long does it last?	🧊 Up to 2 days in the fridge	How long does cooked fish last?
Can you freeze it?	🟢 Yes — freezes well (best quality for 1–2 months)	Can you freeze cooked fish?
Can you reheat it?	🟡 Yes — once, gently	Can you reheat fish?
Left out overnight?	🔴 No — throw it away	Fish left out overnight?
Past the date on the label?	🔴 No — use-by means use by	Fish after its use-by date?