Shelf Life Tips
- How long does frozen imitation crab meat last? The precise answer to that question depends to a large extent on storage conditions - keep imitation crab meat frozen at all times.
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Properly stored, frozen imitation crab meat will maintain best quality for about 10-12 months in the freezer, although it will usually remain safe to eat after that.
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Is frozen imitation crab meat safe to eat after the expiration date on the package? Yes, if properly stored - commercially frozen imitation crab meat will typically carry a “Best By," "Best if Used By," “Best Before”, or "Best When Used By" date but this is not a safety date, it is the manufacturer's estimate of how long the imitation crab meat will remain at peak quality.
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How long will frozen imitation crab meat remain safe to eat? Frozen imitation crab meat that has been kept constantly frozen at 0°F will keep safe indefinitely, as long as it has been stored properly and the package is not damaged.
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How long can you safely leave frozen imitation crab meat at room temperature? Frozen imitation crab meat should be discarded if left for more than 2 hours at room temperature, as bacteria grow rapidly at temperatures between 40 °F and 140 °F.
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How to tell if frozen imitation crab meat is no longer good? If dry spots or discoloration have developed on the frozen imitation crab meat, freezer burn has begun to set in - this will not make the imitation crab meat unsafe to eat, but it will harm the texture and taste.
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