Can sea bass be eaten after being refrigerated for three days?

Dec 09, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Huang Yuhong
Introduction
Whether sea bass can be eaten after three days of refrigeration depends on its storage condition. If properly refrigerated and showing no signs of spoilage, it is safe to consume; however, if there are any indications of spoilage, it should not be eaten. As a general rule, refrigerated fish should ideally be consumed within 24 hours. For longer storage, freezing is recommended. Before consumption, carefully check for spoilage, thoroughly wash the fish during preparation, and ensure it is fully cooked to better ensure food safety.

Generally speaking, whether sea bass can be consumed after three days of refrigeration depends on its storage condition. If properly stored and showing no signs of spoilage, it is safe to eat; however, if spoilage has occurred, it should not be consumed. The detailed analysis is as follows:

If the sea bass was cleaned before refrigeration, tightly wrapped in a sealed container or plastic wrap, and kept in a refrigerator with a stable temperature between 0–4°C, it typically will not spoil within three days. In such cases, consumption is unlikely to cause discomfort and the fish can still retain some nutritional value and flavor.

However, if the fish was not sealed during storage or the refrigerator temperature fluctuated, bacterial contamination may occur, leading to signs of spoilage such as slimy texture, unpleasant odor, or darkened color. Consuming spoiled fish may irritate the gastrointestinal tract, causing nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and other discomforts, so it must be discarded immediately.

For daily storage, it's recommended to consume refrigerated fish within 24 hours. For longer preservation, freezing is a better option. Always carefully check for spoilage before eating, thoroughly wash the fish before preparation, and ensure it is fully cooked to better ensure food safety.

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