Seafood
How long does raw cod last in the fridge?
Raw cod, haddock, and halibut keep 1–2 days in the fridge — cook it the day you buy it, or get it into the freezer, where lean fish holds 6–8 months.
How long does it keep?
| Fridge, from purchase | 1–2 days |
|---|---|
| Freezer, from purchase | 6–8 months |
| Safe minimum temp | 145°F |
Can you freeze white fish (cod, pollock)? YES, FREEZE IT →
Can it sit out?
Raw cod 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 raw cod has gone bad
- A sour or ammonia smell — fresh cod barely smells at all
- Chalky, softened flesh with the flakes coming apart
- A tacky, slippery surface on the fillet
- Sunken, cloudy eyes on a whole fish
When in doubt, throw it out.
Cook it to 145°F, just until it separates with a fork — lean fish goes from done to dry in about the time it takes to plate it.
Quick answers
How long does raw cod last in the fridge?
Raw cod, haddock, and halibut keep 1–2 days in the fridge — cook it the day you buy it, or get it into the freezer, where lean fish holds 6–8 months.
Can you freeze raw cod?
Lean white fish is the freezer’s best fish — cod holds 6–8 months, roughly triple what an oily fillet manages.
How long can raw cod sit out?
The FSIS 2-hour rule applies to raw cod. 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).