How Long After A Lobster Dies Can You Eat It? Solved

Last Updated on September 12, 2024 by Shari Mason

Seafood is a beloved choice for numerous individuals, with lobsters being a particularly distinctive option. Their exclusive flavor and texture make them a highly coveted delicacy.

While many people enjoy eating fresh lobster, it is important to note that there are safety concerns when consuming this type of seafood. 

One of the most important concerns is the length of time one should wait after a lobster has died before consuming it. 

But how long after a lobster dies can you eat it? Let’s find out.

After A Lobster Dies, How Long Can You Eat It?

Generally, if the lobster is properly refrigerated, it can be eaten 24 hours after death. It is important to note that the lobster should be cooked soon after it dies to ensure it is safe to eat. 

If the lobster [1] is frozen right away, it can last up to three months. 

However, only a few weeks of storage is recommended if the lobster is cooked before it is frozen.

It is important to note that when the lobster is thawed, it should be cooked immediately, as it will not last long after it has been thawed.

Read: How Long Can Uncooked Thawed Lobster Stay In The Fridge?

What Happens If You Eat A Dead Lobster?

If you eat a dead lobster, you will likely become ill. The lobster could contain harmful bacteria or parasites that could make you sick. 

Eating a dead lobster could also contain toxins that cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In worst-case scenarios, consuming a dead lobster could lead to food poisoning. 

It’s best to avoid eating any food that has been dead for some time, including lobsters.

Read: Minimum Internal Cooking Temperature For Whole Lobster

Why Can’t You Eat A Dead Lobster?

You can’t eat a dead lobster for several reasons. 

Lobsters are scavengers [2], meaning they feed on dead or decaying organisms. If you consume a dead lobster, you risk consuming bacteria and pathogens that can cause food poisoning and other illnesses. 

“When I get a chance to play golf or go on a boat with good people, take the boat out and put some lobsters on the grill, get the ice-cold beer and the cigars – that’s heaven here on earth.”

– Bernie Mac, Comedian

Lobsters also store toxins in their bodies which can be released when they die. These toxins can harm humans if ingested, so it’s best to avoid eating a dead lobster.

Read: Costco Lobster Tails Review

How To Tell If A Lobster Is Alive

If you want to tell if a lobster is alive, look for signs of movement. It is likely alive if the lobster moves its claws, antennae, and tail.

You can also look for signs of movement in the gills, which are located on either side of the body.

The gills should be moving in and out, which indicates that the lobster is breathing. 

If the lobster is in a tank, you can also look for signs that it is actively searching for food.

How Quickly Does Lobster Spoil?

Lobsters have a relatively short shelf-life. Once they have been cooked, they should be eaten within 24 hours. 

If left uncooked, lobsters should be stored in the coldest part of the refrigerator and eaten within two days. 

After this point, the lobster will spoil and become unsafe to eat. It is important to note that the warmer the temperature, the faster the lobster will spoil.

How Do You Store Dead Lobsters?

Storing dead lobsters is best done in the refrigerator. The lobsters should be wrapped in a damp cloth and placed in an airtight container, such as a zip-lock bag. 

This will help to prevent them from drying out and becoming inedible. Lobsters should be used within a few days of being stored. 

Additionally, it is best to store live and dead lobsters separately, as bacteria from the dead lobsters can quickly spread to the other lobsters.

FAQs

Key Takeaways

It is important to remember that lobsters should be cooked alive for the safest and freshest dining experience. 

If a lobster is not alive when you cook it, you should discard it and not eat it. Eating lobster that has been dead for more than a few hours is not safe, as the quality of the meat can quickly deteriorate. 

Eating lobster that has been dead for too long can cause food poisoning, so it is best to err on the side of caution.

References:

1. https://www.britannica.com/animal/lobster
2. https://www.nationalgeographic.org/encyclopedia/scavenger/