Poultry
Cooked

Cooked DuckShelf Life, Storage, and Spoilage Guide

Sourced from
USDA FoodSafety.govFDA

Pantry

Not Recommended

Not recommended

Cooked poultry should not be stored at room temperature for extended periods due to rapid bacterial growth.

Refrigerator

3-4 days

Refrigerate cooked duck promptly in shallow, airtight containers to ensure rapid cooling. Store at 40°F (4°C) or below.

Freezer

2-6 months

For best quality, freeze cooked duck in airtight freezer bags or containers. Label with the date. While safe indefinitely, quality may decline after 2-6 months.

Signs of Spoilage

  • Sour or off odor
  • Slimy texture
  • Unusual discoloration (e.g., green or gray patches)
  • Mold growth

Room Temperature Safety

2-hour rule (1 hour above 90°F/32°C)

40°F–140°F (4°C–60°C)

Cooked duck should not be left at room temperature for more than 2 hours. If the ambient temperature is above 90°F (32°C), it should not be left out for more than 1 hour. Discard any cooked duck left in the danger zone for too long.

Expert Tips

Safe Handling

1

Cook duck to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) as measured with a food thermometer.

2

Avoid cross-contamination by using separate cutting boards and utensils for raw and cooked poultry.

3

Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after handling raw poultry.

4

Reheat cooked duck to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Related Items

Comparisons

Cooked ChickenSimilar storage guidelines for cooked poultry.
Pantry
Not recommended
Fridge
3-4 days
Freezer
2-6 months
Cooked TurkeySimilar storage guidelines for cooked poultry.
Pantry
Not recommended
Fridge
3-4 days
Freezer
2-6 months
Raw DuckRaw poultry has a shorter fridge life but can be frozen longer for quality.
Fridge
1-2 days
Freezer
6-9 months