
James Worrell
Web Exclusive
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.
Freezer: 6 to 12 months
Freezer: 4 to 6 months
Freezer: 6 to 9 months
Freezer: 4 to 6 months
Freezer: 2 to 3 months
Freezer: 2 to 3 months
Freezer: 9 months
Freezer: 4 months
Freezer: 1 to 2 months
Freezer: 1 to 2 months
Freezer: 2 to 3 months
Freezer: 6 months
Freezer: 4 to 6 months
Raw Beef Roast and Steaks
Refrigerator: 3 to 5 daysFreezer: 6 to 12 months
Raw Pork Roast and Chops
Refrigerator: 3 to 5 daysFreezer: 4 to 6 months
Raw Lamb Roast and Chops
Refrigerator: 3 to 5 daysFreezer: 6 to 9 months
Raw Veal Roast and Chops
Refrigerator: 3 to 5 daysFreezer: 4 to 6 months
Cooked Meat
Refrigerator: 3 to 4 daysFreezer: 2 to 3 months
Soup
Refrigerator: 3 to 4 daysFreezer: 2 to 3 months
Raw Chicken Pieces
Refrigerator: 1 to 2 daysFreezer: 9 months
Cooked Chicken Pieces
Refrigerator: 3 to 4 daysFreezer: 4 months
Pizza
Refrigerator: 3 to 4 daysFreezer: 1 to 2 months
Luncheon Meats
Refrigerator: 3 to 5 daysFreezer: 1 to 2 months
Raw Fatty Fish (Salmon, Tuna, etc.)
Refrigerator: 1 to 2 daysFreezer: 2 to 3 months
Raw Lean Fish (Cod, Flounder, etc.)
Refrigerator: 1 to 2 daysFreezer: 6 months
Cooked Fish
Refrigerator: 3 to 4 daysFreezer: 4 to 6 months
Advertisement
Quick Tip
To keep the appetizers flowing at your holiday open house or dinner, prebake hot hors d’oeuvres, then rewarm them when the guests arrive. Get more tips.





