Frequently Asked Questions

Does Phillips Crab Meat have to be kept refrigerated?

Phillips Crab Meat should be kept refrigerated (38 degrees F, 3.3 degrees C or below) at all times (including before the can has been opened). Please remember that without proper temperature storage, the product will not be able to reach its intended shelf life-this is true with all pasteurized products. Keep crab meat in the coldest part of your refrigerator, on the lowest shelf at the back or in the meat or produce bins. Do not store on your pantry shelf; Phillips Crab Meat must be kept refrigerated at all times, opened or unopened.

Why can’t I keep Phillips Crab Meat on my pantry shelf next to my canned tuna?

Phillips crab meat is not pasteurized to the same time/temperature levels as shelf-stable seafood products. During pasteurization, these shelf-stable products are subjected to a much higher temperature for a much longer time (technically, 250 degrees F for 4 hours), which kills all the harmful bacteria as well as friendly bacteria. While this high level of heat allows the product to remain safely on the shelf for an extended period of time, it also compromises the taste and texture of the product. Crab meat is a very delicate protein, subjecting it to this level of pasteurization destroys the subtle flavors and aromas and ruins the delicate texture of the meat. While there is sterile, shelf-stable crab meat available on the market today, it is unfortunately a low-quality product. Phillips` pasteurization process uses the least amount of heat for the least amount of time to kill pathogens (harmful illness-causing bacteria) while still ensuring that flavor, texture, and aroma are kept to a high quality level.

When does Phillips Crab Meat expire?

Phillips Crab Meat has a refrigerated shelf life of 18 months from the date of production with proper handling and temperature control. Refer to the bottom of the crab meat package for the expiration date; it will be written in Month/Day/Year format. Please remember that without proper temperature storage, the product will not be able to reach its intended shelf life.

Once opened, how long will the crab meat keep?

Once opened, please consume within 48 hours to ensure a safe, high quality product. Crab meat should be handled with the same care given fresh seafood; please keep under constant refrigeration (38 degrees F or below) and be careful about what you eat. If you only are able to consume a portion at a time, we recommend that you put the remainder into a prepared recipe (such as crab cakes or crab soup) before freezing.

Can Phillips Crab Meat be frozen?

Once opened, please consume within 48 hours to ensure a safe, high quality product. Crab meat should be handled with the same care given fresh seafood; please keep under constant refrigeration (38 degrees F or below) and be careful about what you eat. If you only are able to consume a portion at a time, we recommend that you put the remainder into a prepared recipe (such as crab cakes or crab soup) before freezing.

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