How to store meat, poultry, and fish
Where to keep bacon, chicken, deli meat, fish, ground beef, ham, pork, salmon, sausage, shrimp, steak, and turkey, and how long each one lasts there, straight from its own guide.
Food storage chart
How long each food keeps at room temperature, in the fridge, and in the freezer.
| Food | Room temperature | Fridge | Freezer | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bacon | Not given | 7 days | 4 months | |
| Chicken | Not given | 1-2 days | up to 1 year | |
| Deli meat | Not given | 3-5 days once opened | 1-2 months | |
| Fish | Not given | 1-2 days | 6-8 months | |
| Ground beef | Not given | 1-2 days | 4 months | |
| Ham | Not given | 3-4 days | 1-2 months | |
| Pork | Not given | 3-5 days | 4-12 months | |
| Salmon | Not given | 1-2 days | 2-3 months | |
| Sausage | Not given | 1-2 days | 1-2 months | |
| Shrimp | Not given | 1-3 days | 6-18 months | |
| Steak | Not given | 3-5 days | 4-12 months | |
| Turkey | Not given | 1-2 days | up to 12 months | |
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How long does bacon last in the fridge?
Bacon keeps 7 days in the fridge and 4 months in the freezer. Cooked bacon lasts 4 to 5 days, and bacon grease keeps 6 months.
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How long does chicken last in the fridge?
Raw chicken lasts 1 to 2 days in the fridge and cooked chicken 3 to 4 days. In the freezer, whole chicken keeps 1 year for best quality.
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How long is deli meat good for in the fridge?
Deli meat lasts 3 to 5 days in the fridge once opened or sliced at the store, and up to 2 weeks unopened. Freeze it for 1 to 2 months.
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How long is fish good in the fridge and freezer?
Raw fish lasts 1 to 2 days in the fridge and cooked fish 3 to 4 days. See freezer times for lean and fatty fish, crab, oysters, and tuna.
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How long is ground beef good in the fridge?
Ground beef lasts 1 to 2 days in the fridge and 4 months in the freezer for best quality. Cooked ground beef keeps about 3 to 4 days.
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Can you freeze ham, and how long does it last?
Fully cooked sliced or spiral ham lasts 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Most ham keeps its best quality for 1 to 2 months frozen.
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Questions people ask
Should you wash chicken before storing it?
No. Washing raw chicken isn't recommended, because it spreads bacteria to other food, utensils, and surfaces. Only cooking destroys the bacteria.
Can you thaw a turkey on the counter?
No, you can't thaw a turkey on the counter. The USDA says never to defrost turkey there, and recommends the refrigerator, cold water, or the microwave instead.
How long can ground beef sit out?
No more than 2 hours at room temperature, or 1 hour at 90°F (32°C) and above.
Do you need to wash steak before cooking it?
No. It isn't necessary to wash raw beef, because any bacteria on the surface would be destroyed by cooking.
Can you cut mold off bacon?
No, throw out moldy bacon. High-moisture food can be contaminated below the surface, and bacteria can grow along with the mold.
How long does salmon salad last?
Salmon salad keeps 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. Freezing isn't recommended for seafood salads.