Fact Sheets And Publications
Keep Food Safe – Guide to Refrigerator Storage Periods
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.
FRESH MEATS (WRAPPED IN PLASTIC) |
LENGTH (IN DAYS) |
| Roasts, Steaks, Chopspork, lamb, veal | 3 - 5 |
| Ground meat | 1 - 2 |
| Stew Meat | 1 - 2 |
| Pork Sausage | 1 - 2 |
COOKED MEATS |
LENGTH (IN DAYS) |
| All Meat Dishes | 3 - 4 |
| Gravy and Broth | 1 - 2 |
POULTRY |
LENGTH (IN DAYS) |
| All Poultry(fresh, ground, and cooked) | 1 - 2 |
PROCESSED MEATS |
LENGTH (IN DAYS) |
| Bacon | 7 |
| Hot Dogs | 7 |
| Hamwhole
half slices |
7 3 - 5 3 |
| Luncheon Meats | 3 - 5 |
| Smoked Sausage | 7 |
| Sausage(dry and semi-dry) | 14 - 21 |
| Eggs | 4 - 3 weeks |
SEAFOOD |
LENGTH (IN DAYS) |
| All SeafoodFresh
Cooked |
1 – 2 3 – 4 |
FRESH FRUITS |
LENGTH (IN DAYS) |
| Bananas | refrigerate only when ripe |
| Citrus Fruit | 21 |
| Citrus Juices | 7 |
| Apples | 7 - 21 |
| Melons(tightly wrap cut surfaces) | 7 |
| Berries (including cherries) | 1 - 2 |
| Other(tightly wrap cut surfaces | 3 - 5 |
FRESH VEGETABLES |
LENGTH (IN DAYS) |
| Greens (spinach, kale, collards) | 3 - 5 |
| Salad Greens (lettuce, romaine) | 7 |
| Cabbage, Tomatoes, Celery, Green Peppers | 7 |
| Root Vegetables(carrots, turnips, radishes) | 14 |
DAIRY |
LENGTH (IN DAYS) |
| Milk | 7 |
| Yogurt | 28 |
| Hard Cheeses(wrapped plastic) | 3 - 4 months |
| Soft Cheeses | 14 |
| Cottage Cheese | 5 - 7 |
| Ricotta and Cream Cheese | 14 |
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
UD Cooperative Extension
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, Cooperative Extension is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability.