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A closeup of an opened refrigerator with food storage containers

Keep Food Safe – Guide to Refrigerator Storage Periods

Revised August 2025 by Diane Oliver, MPH, RDN, LDN

 

 

When storing foods in your refrigerator, use foil, plastic bags and wraps, or airtight containers. Clean refrigerators regularly to reduce food odors. Remove spoiled foods immediately so decay cannot pass to other foods. Maintain refrigerator temperature at 40ºF or below and check the temperature regularly with a refrigerator thermometer. Use foods quickly. Don't depend on maximum storage periods. If you have any doubt about the food, throw it out.

Below is a Cold Food Storage Chart (2023) from:
https://www.foodsafety.gov/food-safety-charts/cold-food-storage-charts

 


FoodTypeRefrigerator [40°F (4°C) or below]Freezer [0°F (-18°C) or below]
SaladEgg, chicken, ham, tuna, and macaroni salads3 to 4 daysDoes not freeze well
Hot dogsOpened package1 week1 to 2 months
Unopened package2 weeks1 to 2 months
Luncheon meatOpened package or deli sliced3 to 5 days1 to 2 months
Unopened package2 weeks1 to 2 months
Bacon and sausageBacon1 week1 month
Sausage, raw, from chicken, turkey, pork, or beef1 to 2 days1 to 2 months
Sausage, fully cooked, from chicken, turkey, pork, or beef1 week1 to 2 months
Sausage, purchased frozenAfter cooking, 3-4 days1-2 months from date of purchase
Hamburger, ground meats and ground poultryHamburger, ground beef, turkey, chicken, other poultry, veal, pork, lamb, and mixtures of them1 to 2 days3 to 4 months
Fresh beef, veal, lamb, and porkSteaks3 to 5 days4 to 12 months
Chops3 to 5 days4 to 12 months
Roasts3 to 5 days4 to 12 months
HamFresh, uncured, uncooked3 to 5 days6 months
Fresh, uncured, cooked3 to 4 days3 to 4 months
Cured, cook-before-eating, uncooked5 to 7 days or “use by” date3 to 4 months
Fully-cooked, vacuum-sealed at plant, unopened2 weeks or “use by” date1 to 2 months
Cooked, store-wrapped, whole1 week1 to 2 months
Cooked, store-wrapped, slices, half, or spiral cut3 to 5 days1 to 2 months
Country ham, cooked1 week1 month
Canned, labeled "Keep Refrigerated," unopened6 to 9 monthsDo not freeze

Canned, shelf-stable, opened

Note: An unopened, shelf-stable, canned ham can be stored at room temperature for 2 years.

3 to 4 days1 to 2 months
Prosciutto, Parma or Serrano ham, dry Italian or Spanish type, cut2 to 3 months1 month
Fresh poultryChicken or turkey, whole1 to 2 days1 year
Chicken or turkey, pieces1 to 2 days9 months
Fin FishFatty Fish (bluefish, catfish, mackerel, mullet, salmon, tuna, etc.)1 - 3 Days2 - 3 Months
Lean Fish (cod, flounder, haddock, halibut, sole, etc.)6 - 8 Months
Lean Fish (pollock, ocean perch, rockfish, sea trout.)4 - 8 Months
ShellfishFresh Crab Meat2 - 4 Days2 - 4 Months
Fresh Lobster2 - 4 Days2 - 4 Months
Live Crab, Lobster1 day .Not recommended
Live Clams, Mussels, Oysters, and Scallops5 - 10 DaysNot recommended
Shrimp, Crayfish3 - 5 Days6 - 18 Months
Shucked Clams, Mussels, Oysters, and Scallops3 - 10 Days3 - 4 Months
Squid1 - 3 Days6 - 18 Months
EggsRaw eggs in shell3 to 5 weeksDo not freeze in shell. Beat yolks and whites together, then freeze.
Raw egg whites and yolks

Note: Yolks do not freeze well
2 to 4 days12 months
Raw egg accidentally frozen in shell

Note: Toss any frozen eggs with a broken shell
Use immediately after thawingKeep frozen, then
refrigerate to thaw
Hard-cooked eggs1 weekDo not freeze
Egg substitutes, liquid, unopened1 weekDo not freeze
Egg substitutes, liquid, opened3 daysDo not freeze
Egg substitutes, frozen, unopenedAfter thawing, 1 week or refer to “use by” date12 months
Egg substitutes, frozen, openedAfter thawing, 3 to 4 days or refer to “use by” dateDo not freeze
Casseroles with eggsAfter baking, 3 to 4 daysAfter baking, 2 to 3 months
Eggnog, commercial3 to 5 days6 months
Eggnog, homemade2 to 4 daysDo not freeze
Pies: Pumpkin or pecanAfter baking, 3 to 4 daysAfter baking, 1 to 2 months
Pies: Custard and chiffonAfter baking, 3 to 4 daysDo not freeze
Quiche with fillingAfter baking, 3 to 5 daysAfter baking, 2 to 3 months
Soups and stewsVegetable or meat added3 to 4 days2 to 3 months
LeftoversCooked meat or poultry3 to 4 days2 to 6 months
Chicken nuggets or patties3 to 4 days1 to 3 months
Pizza3 to 4 days1 to 2 months

Above is a Cold Food Storage Chart (2023) from:

https://www.foodsafety.gov/food-safety-charts/cold-food-storage-charts

 


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