Seafood / Shellfish

Fresh whole lobsterlive

1 day in the fridge from the date of purchase.

Pantry

No USDA guidance

Fridge

from purchase: 1 day

Freezer

stored: Not recommended

Storage tips

It is not safe to cook and eat a whole lobster if it is dead at the time of preparation.

Source: USDA FSIS FoodKeeperHow to read these times

Common questions

How long does fresh whole lobster (live) last in the fridge?

1 day from the date of purchase.

Can you freeze fresh whole lobster (live), and for how long?

Storing it in the freezer is not recommended.

How can I tell if fresh whole lobster (live) has gone bad?

Throw it out if it smells off, feels slimy or sticky, shows mold, or has changed color. Storage times assume it was handled safely and kept cold the whole time.