Seafood
How long do fresh clams, mussels, and oysters last in the fridge?
USDA gives fresh clams, mussels, and oysters 5–10 days in the fridge — keep them in a bowl under a damp cloth, never sealed in a bag and never sitting in water.
How long does it keep?
| Fridge, from purchase | 5–10 days |
|---|---|
| Freezer | Not recommended |
Can you freeze clams, mussels & oysters? FREEZES, BUT… →
Can it sit out?
Fresh clams, mussels, and oysters is perishable — the FSIS 2-hour rule applies.
Perishable food left at room temperature for more than 2 hours should be thrown out — 1 hour if it’s 90°F or hotter (a picnic, a hot car, a summer kitchen).
How to tell if fresh clams, mussels, and oysters has gone bad
- A shell that stays open after a sharp tap
- A cracked or crushed shell
- A sulfurous smell where clean sea air should be
- Shells that feel oddly light and dry, or heavy with mud
When in doubt, throw it out.
Cook them until the shells open, and leave the ones that stay shut out of the dish.
Quick answers
How long do fresh clams, mussels, and oysters last in the fridge?
USDA gives fresh clams, mussels, and oysters 5–10 days in the fridge — keep them in a bowl under a damp cloth, never sealed in a bag and never sitting in water.
Can you freeze fresh clams, mussels, and oysters?
Never freeze clams, mussels, or oysters alive in the shell — shucked and covered in their own liquor, they keep 3–4 months.
How long can fresh clams, mussels, and oysters sit out?
The FSIS 2-hour rule applies to fresh clams, mussels, and oysters. Perishable food left at room temperature for more than 2 hours should be thrown out — 1 hour if it’s 90°F or hotter (a picnic, a hot car, a summer kitchen).