Food Storage Life

Food Storage Life

Maximum Storage Time Recommendations For Fresh, Cooked, and Processed Meat

Type of Meat Refrigerator (36° to 40°F) Freezer (at 0°F or lower)
Chicken/Turkey Pieces 1 to 2 days 9 months
Chicken/Turkey Giblets 1 to 2 days 3 to 4 months
Steaks, Beef 3 to 5 days 16 to 12 months
Chops, Pork 3 to 5 days 4 to 6 months
Chops, Lamb 3 to 5 days 4 to 6 months
Roasts, Beef 3 to 5 days 4 to 12 months
Roast, Lamb 3 to 5 days 4 to 12 months
Roast, Pork and Veal 3 to 5 days 4 to 12 months
Stew Meats 1 to 2 days 3 to 4 months
Ground Meats 1 to 2 days 3 to 4 months
Organ Meats
(Liver, Heart, Kidneys)
1 to 2 days 3 to 4 months
Meat Leftovers –Cooked Meat, Meat Dishes 3 to 4 days 2 to 3 months
Gravy and Meat Broth 1 to 2 days 2 to 3 months
Hot Dogs, Opened 1 week 1 to 2 months
Hot Dogs, Unopened 1 week 1 to 2 months
Lunch Meats, Opened 3 to 5 days 1 to 2 months
Lunch Meats, Unopened 2 weeks 1 to 2 months
Bacon 7 days 1 month
Sausage 1 to 2 days 1 to 2 months
Smoked Sausage, Links or Patties 7 days 1 to 2 months
Corned Beef (in Pouch w/Pickling Juices) 5 to 7 days (drained and wrapped) 1 month (drained)
Ham, Canned, Unopened 6 to 9 months Don't freeze
Ham, Canned, Opened 3 to 5 days 1 to 2 months
Ham, Vacuum Sealed, Unopened "use by" date on package 1 to 2 months
Ham, Fully Cooked, Whole, Opened 7 days 1 to 2 months
Ham, Fully Cooked, Half 3 to 5 days 1 to 2 months
Ham, Fully Cooked, Slices 3 to 4 days 1 to 2 months