Can you still eat ribbon fish that has been frozen for a year?

Nov 10, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Yu Yongchao

Introduction

In general, whether frozen ribbon fish is still edible after one year depends on specific conditions such as the freezing environment and the condition of the fish. If in doubt, it is recommended to discard it to ensure safety. When freezing ribbon fish, use airtight storage bags or containers to prevent moisture loss and odor transfer. Store away from the refrigerator door to minimize temperature fluctuations. Thoroughly thaw before consumption.

Generally speaking, whether frozen ribbon fish can be consumed after one year of freezing depends on specific conditions such as the freezing environment and the condition of the fish. If in doubt, it is recommended to discard it to ensure safety. The detailed analysis is as follows:

If the ribbon fish has been consistently stored under stable low temperatures below -18°C during freezing, without repeated thawing and refreezing, and after thawing the flesh remains firm and elastic, with no unpleasant odor, discoloration or darkening, and the eyes are clear rather than cloudy, it is generally safe to eat. A consistently low temperature effectively inhibits microbial growth and slows down spoilage. As long as storage conditions meet standards, the fish can maintain good quality even after one year of freezing and can be safely consumed after thorough cooking.

However, if the storage temperature fluctuated during freezing, especially if the fish underwent repeated thawing and refreezing, or if after thawing the flesh is soft, easily crumbles when pressed, emits a fishy or sour smell, or shows signs of yellowing or stickiness, it should not be eaten. Repeated thawing promotes rapid microbial growth, leading to spoilage and the production of harmful substances, which may cause gastrointestinal discomfort or even harm health if consumed.

When freezing ribbon fish, use airtight freezer bags or containers to prevent moisture loss and odor transfer. Store the fish away from the refrigerator door to minimize temperature fluctuations. Fully thaw the fish before consumption, carefully inspect its condition, and only proceed to cook it thoroughly if no abnormalities are found.

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In general, whether ribbon fish can still be eaten after turning yellow depends on the specific cause of the discoloration and the extent of spoilage. If in doubt, it is recommended to avoid consumption to ensure safety. When purchasing ribbon fish, choose fresh ones with a silvery-white, shiny surface to reduce the likelihood of yellowing. Store the fish sealed in the refrigerator or freezer, avoid repeated thawing, and slow down the rate of spoilage.

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Can hairtail fish and apples be eaten together?

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Can you still eat hairtail fish if its surface has turned yellow?

In general, whether yellowish hairtail fish is edible depends on the cause of discoloration and its overall quality. It may still be safe to eat if the slight yellowing is due to natural oxidation and there are no signs of spoilage; however, if the yellowing results from spoilage, the fish should not be consumed. For daily storage, wrap the fish tightly, seal it properly, and keep it frozen in a freezer below -18°C, avoiding repeated thawing and refreezing. When purchasing, choose hairtail fish with a silvery-white, shiny surface and firm flesh.

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Can liver cancer patients eat hairtail fish?

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