How Long Does Meat Last in the Fridge?

Natasha Breen/Shutterstock

Raw poultry

Raw poultry lasts just a day or two in the fridge (at a temperature of 40 degrees Fahrenheit or colder), but up to a year in the freezer (at a temperature of 0 degrees Fahrenheit or colder). Cooked poultry can be refrigerated a few days longer and should be frozen no longer than two to six months. Watch out for these other food storage guidelines you didn’t know about.

stockcreations/Shutterstock

Red meat and pork

Red meat and pork can remain in the refrigerator for up to five days and can be frozen for four to 12 months. Leftover cooked meat will last three to four days in the refrigerator and two to six months in the freezer.

Pavel L Photo and Video/Shutterstock

Ground meats

Ground meats such as beef, veal, pork, or poultry can be refrigerated for one to two days and frozen for three to four months. Watch out for these foods not to put in the refrigerator.

JasonCPhoto/Shutterstock

Lunchmeats and hot dogs

Hot dogs and lunchmeats will last two weeks in the refrigerator unopened and should be eaten within three to five days of opening (hot dogs can go a couple of days longer). In the freezer, they’ll last one to two months. Here’s how to find out if your freezer is set to the right temperature.

jmattisson/Shutterstock

Bacon and sausage

Bacon is safe to eat for up to a week in the fridge—but raw sausage should be eaten within two days. Both can be frozen for a month, and some sausage can be frozen for twice as long. These are the long-lasting foods you’re probably throwing out way too soon.

Piotr Swat/Shutterstock

What about eggs?

Odds are, you’re planning on whipping up some eggs with your bacon, so here’s the low-down on how to store them properly. Eggs can be refrigerated for up to a month raw but no more than a week if they are hard-boiled. Only egg whites or beaten eggs (yolks and whites) should be frozen (i.e., not whole eggs), and will last for up to a year. Egg substitute and separated egg whites or yolks should be eaten within two to four days of refrigeration. Expiration dates do matter, but not always—here’s what you should know.

HandmadePictures/shutterstock

…and deli salads?

Deli salads such as chicken, tuna, egg, or pasta salad will last three to five days in the fridge and should not be frozen. Next, read about the foods you should never keep in your pantry.

[Source: foodsafety.gov]