Salmon: 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 14 salmon 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: Salmon is safe in pregnancy as long as it's cooked through — raw or cold-smoked salmon is the thing to avoid, not salmon itself.

Worth knowing: Reheating salmon 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 — max 2 portions a week	Salmon when pregnant?
While breastfeeding?	🟡 Safe — max 2 portions a week	Salmon when breastfeeding?
How long does it last?	🧊 Up to 2 days in the fridge	How long does cooked salmon last?
Can you freeze it?	🟢 Yes — freezes well (best quality for 1–2 months)	Can you freeze cooked salmon?
Can you reheat it?	🟡 Yes — once, gently	Can you reheat salmon?
Left out overnight?	🔴 No — throw it away	Salmon left out overnight?
Past the date on the label?	🔴 No — use-by means use by	Salmon after its use-by date?