Seafood
Frozen, breaded, pre-cooked or partially cooked

Fish SticksShelf Life, Storage, and Spoilage Guide

Sourced from
USDA FoodSafety.govFDA

Pantry

Not Recommended

Unsafe

Fish sticks must be kept frozen until ready to cook. Do not store at room temperature.

Refrigerator

3-4 days

Once cooked or reheated, store leftover fish sticks in a shallow, airtight container in the refrigerator.

Freezer

3-6 months

Keep commercially frozen fish sticks at 0°F (-18°C) or below. For best quality, use within the recommended timeframe. If thawed and cooked, do not refreeze.

Signs of Spoilage

  • Sour or off-odor
  • Slimy or sticky texture
  • Mold growth
  • Dull or discolored appearance

Room Temperature Safety

2-hour rule (1 hour if ambient temperature is above 90°F/32°C)

40°F–140°F (5°C–60°C)

Do not leave cooked fish sticks at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Discard any food left in the danger zone for too long.

Expert Tips

Safe Handling

1

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

2

Always cook fish sticks from frozen or thawed state according to package directions.

3

Avoid cross-contamination by keeping raw or uncooked fish sticks separate from ready-to-eat foods.

4

Thaw in the refrigerator, microwave, or under cold running water. Never thaw at room temperature.

Related Items

Comparisons

Cooked Fish (general)Similar durations for cooked fish products.
Fridge
3-4 days
Freezer
3-6 months
Cooked ShrimpSimilar durations for cooked shellfish.
Fridge
3-4 days
Freezer
3-6 months
Frozen Dinners, Entrees, & PizzasCommercially prepared frozen meals often have slightly shorter freezer durations for best quality.
Fridge
Not applicable
Freezer
3-4 months