How long does smoked salmon last?

A sealed vacuum pack of cold-smoked salmon keeps 21 to 30 days in the fridge from purchase, within the date on the pack, and 9 to 12 months in the freezer. Once opened, eat it within a few days.

Food	Fridge	Freezer
Cold-smoked salmon (lox), vacuum-packed	21–30 daysfrom purchase	9–12 monthsfrom purchase
Hot-smoked fish, vacuum-packed	14–45 daysfrom purchase	6–12 monthsfrom purchase

Fridge at 4 °C (40 °F) or colder, freezer at −18 °C (0 °F). Freezer times are for best quality: food kept frozen stays safe, but slowly loses taste and texture. These times are USDA guidance, not a guarantee. When in doubt, throw it out.

How to tell if smoked salmon has gone bad

A sour, ammonia or strongly fishy smell.
A slimy or sticky surface, or slices that are dull, dry or discolored at the edges.
A swollen pack, or any mold.

How to store smoked salmon

Keep smoked salmon in the coldest part of the fridge, at 4 °C (40 °F) or below.
Once opened, wrap the rest tightly or keep it in a sealed container, and eat it within a few days.
Don't leave it out for more than 2 hours, on a platter or in sandwiches.

Can you freeze smoked salmon?

Yes, for 9 to 12 months for best quality. Freeze it in its sealed pack, or wrap opened slices with parchment between them. Thaw it in the fridge, overnight, and eat it within a few days; the texture is a little softer, which matters less in cooked dishes or spreads.

Questions

Is smoked salmon safe during pregnancy?

Health agencies advise pregnant people, older adults and people with weakened immune systems to avoid cold-smoked fish because of listeria, unless it's cooked, for example in a hot dish, until steaming.