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How Long Different Foods Last in the Refrigerator

Tap a food category to see general storage guidelines.

Raw Meat and Poultry

Raw ground meat and poultry generally stay safe in the refrigerator for about 1 to 2 days, while whole cuts of raw beef, pork, or lamb can typically last around 3 to 5 days before quality and safety begin to decline.

Cooked Leftovers

Most cooked leftovers are generally considered safe to eat for about 3 to 4 days when properly refrigerated, after which the risk of bacterial growth increases meaningfully even if the food doesn't show obvious signs of spoilage.

Dairy Products

Fresh milk typically lasts about 5 to 7 days past its purchase date when properly refrigerated, while hard cheeses generally last several weeks, and soft cheeses tend to spoil considerably faster, often within about a week.

Eggs

Fresh eggs stored properly in the refrigerator generally remain safe to eat for approximately 3 to 5 weeks, considerably longer than many people assume, though hard-boiled eggs should be eaten within about a week.

Fresh Produce

Storage times vary enormously by type β€” leafy greens generally last only about 3 to 7 days, while root vegetables like carrots and potatoes can often keep for several weeks under proper refrigeration or cool storage.

A General Safety Guideline

When genuinely uncertain whether a food is still safe, food safety experts commonly recommend the guideline "when in doubt, throw it out," since some harmful bacteria can grow without producing any obvious smell, taste, or visual change.

Why these are general guidelines, not exact rules

This page is for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for official food safety guidance. Actual storage times can vary meaningfully based on factors like refrigerator temperature consistency, how quickly the food was refrigerated after cooking or purchase, and individual food handling practices, so these figures should be treated as reasonable general guidelines rather than precise, universal rules.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does food always show visible signs when it has gone bad?

No β€” this is a common and potentially dangerous misconception; certain harmful bacteria, including some that cause serious foodborne illness, can grow without producing any obvious change in smell, taste, or appearance, which is why following general storage time guidelines matters even when food looks and smells normal.

What refrigerator temperature is recommended for food safety?

Food safety guidelines generally recommend keeping refrigerator temperatures at or below 4Β°C (40Β°F), since bacterial growth accelerates significantly at higher temperatures, meaning a refrigerator running warmer than recommended can shorten safe storage times considerably.