Quick answer
Louis Kemp and Trans-Ocean say to use their opened imitation-crab packs within three days. Keep them refrigerated as the manufacturer specifies, and respect an earlier use-by date or shorter pack instruction. That three-day example is not a rule for every surimi product, a finished seafood salad or real crab meat. Louis Kemp FAQ · Trans-Ocean FAQ
Which pack are you checking?
| Product state | What to follow |
|---|---|
| Unopened refrigerated pack | Its use-by date, intact seal and specific storage temperature. |
| Opened refrigerated pack | Its after-opening instruction and the actual opening date. |
| Product sold frozen | Its own freezer, wrapper and thawing directions. |
| Salad, sushi or another prepared dish | Guidance for the whole dish rather than the unopened ingredient. |
Ready to eat does not mean shelf-stable. Trans-Ocean Crab Classic, for example, is fully cooked but requires refrigeration. It contains pollock and real crab; “imitation” does not mean shellfish-free. Check your own pack's current ingredient and allergen statements. Crab Classic product information
Keep the date and temperature together
Louis Kemp specifies 32–38°F (0–3.3°C) and consumption before its printed use-by date. Trans-Ocean specifies below 38°F (3.3°C) for an intact unopened refrigerated pack. Those are colder than FDA's general household refrigerator ceiling of 40°F (4°C), so use a thermometer and follow the product's lower temperature.
After opening, cover the remainder in a clean container or sealed food-storage bag and refrigerate promptly. Keep it away from raw meat and seafood. Mark the opening date and retain the original label or a clear photograph.
A date weeks away does not extend the opened-pack period. If you cannot establish the opening date or refrigeration history, do not use smell to reconstruct it. FDA storage advice
Can you freeze the rest?
Brands differ. Louis Kemp does not recommend freezing its products. Trans-Ocean allows freezing an intact unopened refrigerated pack before its package date, with a separate instruction to use within three days after thawing. That does not establish an opened-pack freezing rule for another brand.
For a product sold frozen, follow its own label. Where freezing is appropriate, keep it at 0°F (−18°C) or below. Freezing does not repair previous unsafe handling. Plan refrigerator thawing and follow any wrapper-removal instruction for vacuum packaging. FDA seafood handling
FAQs
Can I keep an unopened pack on the counter?
Refrigerated imitation crab remains perishable even while sealed. Discard perishable seafood left out more than two hours, or one hour above 90°F (32°C).
Does a normal smell mean it is safe?
No. Discard moldy or suspicious food, but normal smell and appearance cannot clear unsafe storage. Do not taste a questionable pack to decide.
Can I use a fresh-crab storage chart?
Use instructions for the exact surimi product. Fresh crab, pasteurized real crab meat, frozen imitation crab and prepared salads are different products and states.
Sources
Sources and draft evidence reviewed October 31, 2026. Manufacturer advice applies to the named product; follow stricter local guidance and your package. How we research our guides.