How Long Does Smoked Salmon Last?

An unopened vacuum-sealed package generally holds close to its printed date, while an opened package should be used within about a week, since exposure to air lets both surface bacteria and the natural oils in the fish begin breaking down faster than the sealed product experiences. A sour smell distinct from its normal smoky, briny scent, a dull or grayish color replacing the vibrant pink-orange, or a slimy film on the surface are the real signs a package has turned, worth checking before assuming a still-sealed date is the only thing that matters.

Because smoked salmon is a ready-to-eat product often served cold rather than cooked through, the same listeria caution that applies to deli meat applies here — pregnant individuals and other higher-risk groups are generally advised to heat it until steaming rather than eat it cold, a precaution that doesn't change based on how close the package is to its printed date. Keeping an opened package tightly resealed or transferred to an airtight container between uses, and storing it toward the back of the fridge rather than the door, both meaningfully slow that shorter opened-package countdown. A package that's ballooned or feels unusually soft through the vacuum seal is worth a closer look before eating, since a compromised seal can let in bacteria well before the printed date would otherwise suggest a problem.

See Smoked Salmon's full storage & shelf-life guide (with spoilage signs) →