TempoLife › Features › How long food keeps: fridge, freezer and pantry › lean-fish
Raw lean fish (cod, haddock) shelf life
Raw lean fish (cod, haddock) keeps 1-2 days in the fridge, 6-8 months in the freezer. Spoilage signs and the safe-handling notes, from the USDA Cold Food Storage Chart.
Storage at a glance
| Where | How long |
|---|---|
| Fridge (0-4 °C) | 1-2 days |
| Freezer (-18 °C) | 6-8 months |
Signs it has gone off
Fishy smell, mushy flesh, discolouration.
Safe handling
Thaw in the fridge, never on the counter.
Storage times are guidance, not a guarantee. If it looks or smells wrong, do not taste it to check.
Source: USDA Cold Food Storage Chart / FDA-USDA FoodKeeper · checked 2026-09-03
Frequently asked questions
How long does raw lean fish (cod, haddock) last in the fridge?
1-2 days — stored sealed, at 4 C or below.
Can you freeze raw lean fish (cod, haddock)?
Yes — about 6-8 months for quality. Frozen at a constant -18 C it stays safe longer; the time is about taste and texture.
How do you know when raw lean fish (cod, haddock) has gone off?
Fishy smell, mushy flesh, discolouration. Trust the signs over any date.
Raw fatty fish (salmon, mackerel)
Fridge: 1-2 days · freezer: 2-3 months
Cooked fish
Fridge: 3-4 days · freezer: 4-6 months
Know the shelf life, plan the week
TempoLife puts the food plan next to your goals, so what you bought gets eaten, not binned.