Is the Food in Your Refrigerator or Freezer Safe to Eat?

With regards to most foods found in your freezer, the factor limiting whether it’s edible or not is taste. Very few bacteria can grow in the freezer, and none of the ones who could possibly grow are of much concern. The refrigerator is another matter. While most bacteria thrive between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit, there are a few that can grow in the fridge, with Listeria being the bacteria of most concern. With this being said, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Food and Drug Administration have issued guidelines for safe food storage.

Raw Beef Roast and Steaks

Refrigerator: 3 to 5 days

Freezer: 6 to 12 months

Raw Pork Roast and Chops

Refrigerator: 3 to 5 days

Freezer: 4 to 6 months

Raw Lamb Roast and Chops

Refrigerator: 3 to 5 days

Freezer: 6 to 9 months

Cooked Meat

Refrigerator: 3 to 4 days

Freezer: 2 to 3 months

Soup

Refrigerator: 3 to 4 days

Freezer: 2 to 3 months

Raw Chicken Pieces

Refrigerator: 1 to 2 days

Freezer: 9 months

Cooked Chicken Pieces

Refrigerator: 3 to 4 days

Freezer: 4 months

Fruit pies, unbaked

Freezer: 8 months

Fruit

Freezer: 6 to 12 months

Butter

Freezer: 6 to 9 months

Lean fish

Freezer: 6 months

Shellfish, uncooked

Freezer: 3 to 6 months

Hamburger

Freezer: 3 to 4 months

Bread and cake

Freezer: 3 months

Cookies, baked or dough

Freezer: 3 months

Bacon

Freezer: 1 month

Ice cream and sorbet

Freezer: 2 months

Remember, almost all foods found in the freezer will last indefinitely, but their taste and texture will deteriorate over time. Freezer bags should always be used as they limit moisture loss. Also, if you take something out of the freezer and are unsure if you can refreeze it remember that it takes food about 7 times longer to thaw than to freeze so you have a larger window of opportunity for saving the food.