Use the seafood before the expiration date. Shrimp Fresh shrimp have a mild odor and firm textured meat. The shell or meat is not slippery, and there are no black spots or patches on the shell or meat. The shell of raw shrimp may be grayish green, pinkish tan, or light pink. When cooked, the shell turns red and the meat takes on a similar reddish tint.
Cooked shrimp have red shells, firm meat, and a mild odor.
Crabs, Lobsters and Crayfish Live crabs, lobsters, spiny lobsters, and crayfish move their legs. Frozen spiny or rock lobster tails have clear white meat, no odor, and are hard-frozen. Cooked crabs, lobsters, and crayfish have bright orange to red shells and are free of any disagreeable odor. Smoked Fish Smoked fish are bright and glossy. There is no dried blood or mold on the product.