How Long Does Meat Stay Good in the Refrigerator?

Eating food that's left in the refrigerator too long can cause serious and violent illnesses. The following guidelines are issued by the USDA and apply to foods refrigerated at 40 degrees F. All cooked meat, fish and poultry leftovers will last three or four days in the refrigerator.

Raw Pre-Stuffed Meats

Raw, pre-stuffed meats like pork chops and chicken breasts can be stored in the refrigerator for one day.

Raw Ground Meats

Raw ground meats like hamburger and ground turkey can be stored in the refrigerator for one or two days.

Hot Dogs

Unopened hot dogs will last for two weeks in the refrigerator. Contents of opened hot dog packs will last one week in the refrigerator.

Lunch and Deli Meats

Deli meats and opened pre-packaged lunch meats will last three to five days in the refrigerator. Unopened pre-packaged lunch meat will last two weeks.

Sausage and Bacon

Raw bacon from any animal will last up to one week in the refrigerator. Raw sausage will last one or two days once opened (unless it's smoked). Smoked sausage will last one week in the refrigerator.

Steaks, Roasts and Chops

Raw chops, roasts and steaks will last three to five days in the refrigerator.

Resources

• FDA Refrigeration and Freezer Storage Chart