Fridge and Freezer Storage Times Chart (FoodSafety.gov)
The federal cold storage chart for the foods most people ask about.
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Refrigerator times assume 40°F or below; freezer times assume 0°F or below and are for quality only, per FoodSafety.gov.
| Food | Fridge | Freezer |
|---|---|---|
| Ground meat and ground poultry | 1 to 2 days | 3 to 4 months |
| Steaks, chops, roasts (beef, veal, lamb, pork) | 3 to 5 days | 4 to 12 months |
| Chicken or turkey, whole | 1 to 2 days | 1 year |
| Chicken or turkey, pieces | 1 to 2 days | 9 months |
| Fatty fish (salmon, tuna) | 1 to 3 days | 2 to 3 months |
| Shrimp | 3 to 5 days | 6 to 18 months |
| Bacon | 1 week | 1 month |
| Hot dogs, opened | 1 week | 1 to 2 months |
| Lunch meat, opened or deli sliced | 3 to 5 days | 1 to 2 months |
| Raw eggs in shell | 3 to 5 weeks | Do not freeze in shell |
| Hard-cooked eggs | 1 week | Do not freeze |
| Egg, chicken, tuna or macaroni salad | 3 to 4 days | Does not freeze well |
| Soups and stews | 3 to 4 days | 2 to 3 months |
| Cooked meat or poultry leftovers | 3 to 4 days | 2 to 6 months |
| Pizza | 3 to 4 days | 1 to 2 months |
Tips
Cool leftovers fast in shallow containers; see the Danger Zone guide. Thaw frozen items safely with our thawing guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is frozen food safe forever?
FoodSafety.gov says food kept continuously at 0°F or below can be kept indefinitely. Freezer times in the chart are for quality only.
