Meat & Poultry Shelf Life & Storage Times
Fresh and cooked meat, poultry, and ground meats.
37+ foods USDA data Fridge, freezer & pantry
Raw meat and poultry are among the most perishable foods in your fridge. USDA guidance: keep raw poultry and ground meat at 40°F or below and use within 1–2 days, or freeze promptly. Cooked meat lasts longer but still follows the 2-hour rule when left out.
Typical fridge and freezer times for popular meats, with citations on each food page:
| Food | Typical storage |
|---|---|
| Chicken (raw) | Fridge 1–2 days · Freezer 9–12 months |
| Ground beef (raw) | Fridge 1–2 days · Freezer 3–4 months |
| Turkey (raw) | Fridge 1–2 days · Freezer 9–12 months |
| Pork chops (raw) | Fridge 3–5 days · Freezer 4–6 months |
| Pork tenderloin (raw) | Fridge 3–5 days · Freezer 6–9 months |
| Bacon (raw, unopened) | Fridge 1–2 weeks · Freezer 1–2 months |
| Sausage (raw) | Fridge 1–2 days · Freezer 2–3 months |
| Ham (cooked) | Fridge 3–5 days · Freezer 2–3 months |
Common questions
- How long can raw chicken stay in the fridge?
- Raw chicken keeps 1–2 days refrigerated at 40°F or below. Freeze for 9–12 months if you will not cook it within that window.
- Can you refreeze thawed meat?
- Meat thawed in the refrigerator can be refrozen. Meat thawed in cold water or the microwave should be cooked before refreezing.
All meat & poultry storage times
- Chicken (raw) Fridge 1–2 days · Freezer 9–12 months
- Ground beef (raw) Fridge 1–2 days · Freezer 3–4 months
- Turkey (raw) Fridge 1–2 days · Freezer 9–12 months
- Pork chops (raw) Fridge 3–5 days · Freezer 4–6 months
- Pork tenderloin (raw) Fridge 3–5 days · Freezer 6–9 months
- Bacon (raw, unopened) Fridge 1–2 weeks · Freezer 1–2 months
- Sausage (raw) Fridge 1–2 days · Freezer 2–3 months
- Ham (cooked) Fridge 3–5 days · Freezer 2–3 months
- Hot dogs (unopened) Fridge 2 weeks · Freezer 2–3 months
- Lamb (raw) Fridge 3–5 days · Freezer 9–12 months
- Duck (raw) Fridge 1–2 days · Freezer 6–9 months
- Steak (raw) Fridge 3–5 days · Freezer 9–12 months
- Pork ribs (raw) Fridge 3–5 days · Freezer 4–6 months
- Meatballs (cooked) Fridge 3–4 days · Freezer 2–3 months
- Rotisserie chicken Fridge 3–4 days · Freezer 4–6 months
- Deli turkey (sliced) Fridge 3–5 days · Freezer 2–3 months
- Veal (raw) Fridge 3–5 days · Freezer 9–12 months
- Venison (raw) Fridge 3–5 days · Freezer 9–12 months
- Bison (raw) Fridge 3–5 days · Freezer 9–12 months
- Corned beef (opened) Fridge 7–10 days · Freezer 2–3 months
- Pepperoni (opened) Fridge 2–3 weeks · Freezer 2–3 months
- Salami (opened) Fridge 2–3 weeks · Freezer 2–3 months
- Prosciutto (opened) Fridge 2–3 weeks · Freezer 2–3 months
- Chicken liver (raw) Fridge 1–2 days · Freezer 3–4 months
- Chicken wings (raw) Fridge 1–2 days · Freezer 9–12 months
- Turkey breast (raw) Fridge 1–2 days · Freezer 9–12 months
- Deli ham (sliced) Fridge 3–5 days · Freezer 2–3 months
- Deli roast beef Fridge 3–5 days · Freezer 2–3 months
- Bratwurst (raw) Fridge 1–2 days · Freezer 2–3 months
- Italian sausage (raw) Fridge 1–2 days · Freezer 2–3 months
- Beef jerky (opened) Fridge 3–5 days · Freezer 1 year
- Pork shoulder (raw) Fridge 3–5 days · Freezer 6–9 months
- Beef brisket (raw) Fridge 3–5 days · Freezer 9–12 months
- Beef stew meat (raw) Fridge 3–5 days · Freezer 9–12 months
- Chicken thighs (raw) Fridge 1–2 days · Freezer 9–12 months
- Chicken drumsticks (raw) Fridge 1–2 days · Freezer 9–12 months
- Ground turkey (raw) Fridge 1–2 days · Freezer 4–6 months
