Safe food storage


While people understand the importance of proper food preparation, many people don’t know how long certain foods can be stored and eaten safely. Here are some recommendations by the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture:

 

Product                                    Refrigerated                                        Frozen

Hamburger & stew meat                         1 to 2 days                                            3 to 4 months

Ground turkey, veal, pork, lamb               1 to 2 days                                            3 to 4 months

Cooked meat & meat casseroles             3 to 4 days                                            2 to 3 months

Chicken or turkey,                                  1 to 2 days                                            9 months

Pizza, cooked                                       3 to 4 days                                            1 to 2 months

Fried chicken                                         3 to 4 days                                            4 months

Cooked poultry casseroles                      3 to 4 days                                            4 to 6 months

Chicken nuggets, patties                        1 to 2 days                                            1 to 3 months

Bacon                                                   7 days                                                  1 month

Sausage, raw                                        1 to 2 days                                            1 to 2 months

Smoked breakfast links, patties              7 days                                                  1 to 2 months

Fresh Eggs, in shell                               3 to 5 weeks                                          Do not freeze

Raw yolks & whites                                2 to 4 days                                            1 year

Hard boiled                                            1 week                                                  Do not freeze

Mayonnaise, refrigerate after opening       2 months                                               Do not freeze

 

  

Source: USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service

 

Information on this site is provided for informational purposes and is not meant to substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professional. You should not use the information contained herein for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing any medication. You should read carefully all product packaging. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly contact your health care provider. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.