Keep It Cool:

REFRIGERATOR/FREEZER
FOOD STORAGE CHART
Properly storing foods may help keep them fresh longer. Freezing is also a smart storage option for shoppers who
Follow the best-by dates for freshness and quality and never wish to extend the shelf life of perishable foods. But
let perishable foods sit out of refrigeration for more than two whether you’re freezing or refrigerating, one basic rule
hours. In hot weather (90°F or above), this time is reduced to applies:
one hour. If no date is listed on the package, the following list
When in doubt, throw it out!
provides a helpful guideline for how long to store it.

Perishable Foods Refrigerator Freezer Perishable Foods Refrigerator Freezer

(below 40°F) (at or below 0°F) (below 40°F) (at or below 0°F)

MEAT (BEEF, PORK, VEAL, LAMB) BACON, SAUSAGE

Steaks 3 to 5 days 4 to 12 months Bacon
1 week 1 month
Chops 3 to 5 days 4 to 12 months
Roasts 3 to 5 days 4 to 12 months Sausage (meat or poultry)
Liver, variety meats 3 to 4 months - raw 1 to 2 days 1 to 2 months
1 to 2 days - pre-cooked/smoked 1 week
Cooked meat 3 to 4 days 2 to 6 months Summer sausage
Ground meat (labeled “Keep Refrigerated)
- uncooked 1 to 2 days 3 to 4 months - opened 3 weeks 1 to 2 months
- cooked 3 to 4 days 2 to 6 months - unopened 3 months
Pepperoni, sliced 2 to 3 weeks 1 to 2 months
POULTRY (CHICKEN, TURKEY)
Poultry, whole 1 to 2 days 1 year HAM, CORNED BEEF
Poultry, pieces (breasts, thighs, wings) 1 to 2 days 9 months Corned beef (in pouch with pickling juices) 5 to 7 days 1 month
Giblits 1 to 2 days 3 to 4 months Fresh ham, uncooked
Cooked poultry 3 to 4 days 2 to 6 months - uncured 3 to 5 days 6 months
- cured (cook-before-eating) 5 to 7 days 3 to 4 months
Ground poultry
- uncooked 1 to 2 days 3 to 4 months Ham, fully cooked, store wrapped
- cooked 3 to 4 days 2 to 6 months - whole 1 week
- half 3 to 4 days 1 to 2 months
- slices 3 to 4 days
HOT DOGS, LUNCH MEAT Ham, fully cooked, vacuum sealed
Hot dogs - opened 2 weeks 1 to 2 months
- opened 1 week 1 to 2 months - unopened best-by date
- unopened 2 weeks 1 to 2 months
Ham, canned
Lunch meat - opened 5 to 14 days 1 to 2 months
- opened 3 to 5 days 1 to 2 months - unopened 6 to 9 months Do not freeze
- unopened 2 weeks 1 to 2 months

EGGS DAIRY
Cheese, hard or processed
Fresh, in shell 3 to 5 weeks Do not freeze - opened 3 to 4 weeks 6 months
Egg whites and yolks (raw) 2 to 4 days 1 year - unopened 6 months
Egg substitutes Cheese, soft 1 to 2 weeks 6 months
- opened 3 days Do not freeze Cottage/ricotta cheese 1 to 2 weeks Do not freeze
- unopened 1 week
Cream cheese 2 weeks Do not freeze
Note: All recommendations assume refrigerators are set below 40°F and freezers are Butter 1 to 2 months 6 to 9 months
set to 0°F