How to Know How Long to Store Meat and Poultry

Do you always wonder just how long that fresh meat will last in your fridge? Well, you can look at the "sell by" date on the package, but these general rules should help you, as well.

Things You'll Need

• Date you bought your fresh meat
• The inside temperature of your fridge

Instructions

1. Fresh roasts, steaks, and chops – No matter what kind of meat (pork, beef, lamb, veal), should stay fresh in a 35- to 40-degree fridge for 3 to 5 days.

2. Ground and stew meats, variety meats, and sausage – These will last about 1 to 2 days in a 35- to 40-degree fridge.

3. Bacon, hot dogs, ham (whole) – These processed meats should last 7 days in a 35- to 40-degree fridge.

4. Ham (half), ham (slices), lunch meats – These processed meats should last 3 to 5 days in a 35- to 40-degree fridge.

5. Sausage (dry and semi-dry) – These items will last 14 to 21 days in a 35- to 40-degree fridge.

6. Chicken and turkey (pieces, whole, giblets) – All of these fresh poultry products will last 1 to 2 days in a 35- to 40-degree fridge.

Tips & Warnings

• If you want fresh meat to last a little longer, turn down the temp on your fridge a couple of degrees, it will help all your food last a little longer.

• Store meat for the recommended time in the wrapping straight from the market. If you need to store it longer, take off the plastic and wrap loosely in waxed paper or plastic wrap.