Cold Food Storage Chart (2024)

SaladEgg, chicken, ham, tuna, and macaroni salads3 to 4 daysDoes not freeze wellHot dogsOpened package1 week1 to 2 monthsUnopened package2 weeks1 to 2 monthsLuncheon meatOpened package or deli sliced3 to 5 days1 to 2 monthsUnopened package2 weeks1 to 2 monthsBacon and sausageBacon1 week1 monthSausage, raw, from chicken, turkey, pork, or beef1 to 2 days1 to 2 monthsSausage, fully cooked, from chicken, turkey, pork, or beef1 week1 to 2 monthsSausage, purchased frozenAfter cooking, 3-4 days1-2 months from date of purchaseHamburger, ground meats and ground poultryHamburger, ground beef, turkey, chicken, other poultry, veal, pork, lamb, and mixtures of them1 to 2 days3 to 4 monthsFresh beef, veal, lamb, and porkSteaks3 to 5 days4 to 12 monthsChops3 to 5 days4 to 12 monthsRoasts3 to 5 days4 to 12 monthsHamFresh, uncured, uncooked3 to 5 days6 monthsFresh, uncured, cooked3 to 4 days3 to 4 monthsCured, cook-before-eating, uncooked5 to 7 days or “use by” date3 to 4 monthsFully-cooked, vacuum-sealed at plant, unopened2 weeks or “use by” date1 to 2 monthsCooked, store-wrapped, whole1 week1 to 2 monthsCooked, store-wrapped, slices, half, or spiral cut3 to 5 days1 to 2 monthsCountry ham, cooked1 week1 monthCanned, labeled "Keep Refrigerated," unopened6 to 9 monthsDo not freeze

Canned, shelf-stable, opened

Note: An unopened, shelf-stable, canned ham can be stored at room temperature for 2 years.

3 to 4 days1 to 2 monthsProsciutto, Parma or Serrano ham, dry Italian or Spanish type, cut2 to 3 months1 monthFresh poultryChicken or turkey, whole1 to 2 days1 yearChicken or turkey, pieces1 to 2 days9 monthsFin FishFatty Fish (bluefish, catfish, mackerel, mullet, salmon, tuna, etc.)1 - 3 Days2 - 3 MonthsLean Fish (cod, flounder, haddock, halibut, sole, etc.)6 - 8 MonthsLean Fish (pollock, ocean perch, rockfish, sea trout.)4 - 8 MonthsShellfishFresh Crab Meat2 - 4 Days2 - 4 MonthsFresh Lobster2 - 4 Days2 - 4 MonthsLive Crab, Lobster1 day .Not recommendedLive Clams, Mussels, Oysters, and Scallops5 - 10 DaysNot recommendedShrimp, Crayfish3 - 5 Days6 - 18 MonthsShucked Clams, Mussels, Oysters, and Scallops3 - 10 Days3 - 4 MonthsSquid1 - 3 Days6 - 18 MonthsEggsRaw eggs in shell3 to 5 weeksDo not freeze in shell. Beat yolks and whites together, then freeze.Raw egg whites and yolks

Note: Yolks do not freeze well

2 to 4 days12 monthsRaw egg accidentally frozen in shell

Note: Toss any frozen eggs with a broken shell

Use immediately after thawingKeep frozen, then
refrigerate to thawHard-cooked eggs1 weekDo not freezeEgg substitutes, liquid, unopened1 weekDo not freezeEgg substitutes, liquid, opened3 daysDo not freezeEgg substitutes, frozen, unopenedAfter thawing, 1 week or refer to “use by” date12 monthsEgg substitutes, frozen, openedAfter thawing, 3 to 4 days or refer to “use by” dateDo not freezeCasseroles with eggsAfter baking, 3 to 4 daysAfter baking, 2 to 3 monthsEggnog, commercial3 to 5 days6 monthsEggnog, homemade2 to 4 daysDo not freezePies: Pumpkin or pecanAfter baking, 3 to 4 daysAfter baking, 1 to 2 monthsPies: Custard and chiffonAfter baking, 3 to 4 daysDo not freezeQuiche with fillingAfter baking, 3 to 5 daysAfter baking, 2 to 3 monthsSoups and stewsVegetable or meat added3 to 4 days2 to 3 monthsLeftoversCooked meat or poultry3 to 4 days2 to 6 monthsChicken nuggets or patties3 to 4 days1 to 3 monthsPizza3 to 4 days1 to 2 months