How Long Can You Refrigerate or Freeze Food?

Surprising expiration dates for popular perishables.

If you’re saving food in plastic bags, be sure to follow the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Food and Drug Administration guidelines for safe storage. Frozen foods can be stored indefinitely, but the flavor can change when food is stored past the time limits below.
 
 

Raw Beef Roast and Steaks

Refrigerator: 3 to 5 days
 Freezer: 6 to 12 months
 
 

Raw Pork Roast and Chops

Refrigerator: 3 to 5 days
 Freezer: 4 to 6 months
 
 

Raw Lamb Roast and Chops

Refrigerator: 3 to 5 days
 Freezer: 6 to 9 months
 
 

Raw Veal Roast and Chops

Refrigerator: 3 to 5 days
 Freezer: 4 to 6 months
 
 

Cooked Meat

Refrigerator: 3 to 4 days
 Freezer: 2 to 3 months
 
 

Soup

Refrigerator: 3 to 4 days
 Freezer: 2 to 3 months
 
 

Raw Chicken Pieces

Refrigerator: 1 to 2 days
 Freezer: 9 months
 
 

Cooked Chicken Pieces

Refrigerator: 3 to 4 days
 Freezer: 4 months
 
 

Pizza

Refrigerator: 3 to 4 days
 Freezer: 1 to 2 months
 
 

Luncheon Meats

Refrigerator: 3 to 5 days
 Freezer: 1 to 2 months
 
 

Raw Fatty Fish (Salmon, Tuna, etc.)

Refrigerator: 1 to 2 days
 Freezer: 2 to 3 months
 
 

Raw Lean Fish (Cod, Flounder, etc.)

Refrigerator: 1 to 2 days
 Freezer: 6 months
 
 

Cooked Fish

Refrigerator: 3 to 4 days
 Freezer: 4 to 6 months