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Gunther Heller

Do Tuna Steaks Go Bad?

Source: USDA FoodKeeper and FSIS · last verified November 2026

Illustration of tuna steaks
Tuna steaks Per USDA FoodKeeper
Counter
2 hours
1 hour if above 90°F
Fridge
1–2 days
at or below 40°F (4°C)
Freezer
2–3 months
at 0°F; quality, not safety
Quick answer

Yes. Tuna steaks last 1–2 days in the fridge and 2–3 months in the freezer. After that, or sooner if stored badly, they spoil: watch for the signs below.

How to tell if tuna steaks are bad

Smell

Strong fishy, sour or ammonia odour. Fresh seafood smells of the sea.

Texture

Mushy flesh that does not spring back, or a milky slime.

Colour

Dull, grey or yellowing flesh; dark edges.

Shells

Live shellfish with open shells that do not close when tapped.

Tuna steaks past the expiration date

Best-by and sell-by

FoodKeeper gives unopened tuna steaks 1–2 days in the fridge, counted from the day you buy it. "Best-by" and "sell-by" describe quality and stock rotation, not safety; only infant formula carries a federally required use-by date.

Past the date

For perishable tuna steaks, the storage clock matters more than the label: if it has been in the fridge longer than 1–2 days, discard it even before the printed date.

How to keep tuna steaks fresh longer

  • Keep on ice or in the coldest part of the fridge, at 40°F (4°C) or below.
  • Store live shellfish in a bowl covered with a damp cloth, never in water or sealed plastic.
  • Cook or freeze within the fridge window.

More about tuna steaks

More “does it go bad?” answers, A–Z →

FAQ

How long does it take for tuna steaks to go bad?
1–2 days in the fridge, per USDA FoodKeeper. At room temperature, 2 hours.
Can tuna steaks expire?
FoodKeeper gives unopened tuna steaks 1–2 days in the fridge, counted from the day you buy it. "Best-by" and "sell-by" describe quality and stock rotation, not safety; only infant formula carries a federally required use-by date.
What happens if you eat bad tuna steaks?
Spoiled perishable food can cause food poisoning: nausea, vomiting, cramps or diarrhoea. See a doctor if symptoms are severe or last more than a few days.
How do you keep tuna steaks from going bad?
Keep on ice or in the coldest part of the fridge, at 40°F (4°C) or below.
Numbers on this page come from USDA FoodKeeper and FSIS guidance. Last verified November 2026. How we verify our data · Report a wrong number