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How long does canned tuna (opened) last?

Opened canned tuna.

Quick answer
Fridge (40°F / 4°C)
3 days
After opening, transfer to glass/plastic
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Canned Tuna (opened) shelf life chart

All times are best-quality guidelines based on USDA FoodKeeper and FDA storage data. Actual shelf life depends on temperature stability, packaging, and how the food was handled.

StorageTime
Refrigerator (40°F / 4°C)3 days

Can you freeze canned tuna (opened)?

Freezing canned tuna (opened) is generally not recommended. Texture, flavor, and structure change significantly when frozen, and the resulting product is often unappetizing. Refer to the storage chart above for fridge and pantry options.

What to do if…

What if my canned tuna (opened) sat out overnight?
Generally not safe. Bacterial growth doubles every 20 minutes between 40°F and 140°F (the "danger zone"). The USDA rule: discard any perishable food left at room temperature for more than 2 hours (or 1 hour above 90°F). When in doubt, throw it out — food poisoning isn't worth the gamble.
What if my canned tuna (opened) is past the printed date?
"Best by," "sell by," and "use by" dates are quality indicators, not safety deadlines. Canned Tuna (opened) is often still safe past the printed date if stored properly and showing none of the spoilage signs above. Use your senses — sight, smell, texture — and the storage times listed in this guide.
What if it smells weird but looks fine?
Trust your nose. Smell is one of the most reliable indicators of spoilage — your nose evolved specifically to detect dangerous food. If canned tuna (opened) has any sour, ammonia-like, sulfur, or "off" smell beyond its normal aroma, discard it. Visible mold or texture changes confirm the warning.

Can expired canned tuna (opened) make you sick?

Yes — but the printed date isn't the trigger. Foodborne illness comes from bacterial growth (Salmonella, E. coli, Listeria, Staphylococcus) or fungal toxins, which depend on storage temperature and time, not the calendar date on the package.

Symptoms of food poisoning typically appear within 6–48 hours and include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and fever. Severe cases — especially in young children, elderly, pregnant, or immunocompromised people — warrant medical attention. The safest practice: when in doubt, throw it out.

Frequently asked questions

How long does canned tuna (opened) last in the fridge?
3 days at 40°F (4°C). After opening, transfer to glass/plastic
How can I tell if canned tuna (opened) has gone bad?
Look for: Off smell; Discoloration; Bulging can (NEVER eat).
Can I eat canned tuna (opened) past the "best by" date?
"Best by" is a quality date, not a safety date. As long as canned tuna (opened) has been stored properly and shows no spoilage signs, it's usually safe to eat — but quality may have declined. Use your senses to judge.

Related shelf-life guides

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How long does raw salmon last?
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How long does shrimp (raw) last?
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How long does cooked salmon last?
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How long does fresh tuna last?
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How long does frozen fish last?
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How long does raw shrimp last?

Signs canned tuna (opened) has gone bad

  • •Off smell
  • •Discoloration
  • •Bulging can (NEVER eat)

Storage tips

  • ✓Don't store in opened can
  • ✓Bulging cans = botulism risk, throw away unopened
  • ✓Unopened canned tuna: 3-5 years
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More fish & seafood

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Raw Salmon
2 days fridge
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Shrimp (raw)
2 days fridge
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Cooked Salmon
4 days fridge
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Fresh Tuna
2 days fridge
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Frozen Fish
6 months freezer
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Raw Shrimp
2 days fridge
Sources & review
Compiled by the BestByDates editorial team. Last reviewed: January 2025. Spotted an error? Let us know.

Disclaimer: Times shown are USDA/FDA-recommended best quality periods, not absolute safety guarantees. Storage conditions, packaging, and food handling all affect actual shelf life. When in doubt, throw it out.