PRODUCT

 STORAGE PERIOD

  In Refrigerator
  40 degrees Fahrenheit
  (5 degrees Celsius)

 In Freezer
 0 F (-18 C)

 FRESH MEATS
   Beef: Ground
   Steaks & Roasts

1-2 days
3-5 days

3-4 months
6-12 months

 PORK
  Chops
  Ground
  Roasts

3-5 days
1-2 days
3-5 days

4-6 months
3-4 months
4-6 months

 CURED MEATS:
   Lunch meat
   Sausage

3-5 days
1-2 days

1-2 months
1-2 months

 GRAVY

1-2 days

2-3 months

 FISH:
   Lean (such as cod, flounder, haddock)
   Fatty (such as blue, perch, salmon)

1-2 days
1-2 days

up to 6 months
2-3 months

 CHICKEN:
   Whole
   Parts
   Giblets

1-2 days
1-2 days
1-2 days

12 months
9 months
3-4 months

 DAIRY PRODUCTS:
   Swiss, brick, processed cheese
   Milk
   Ice cream, ice milk

3-4 weeks
5 days
-

*
1 month
2-4 months

 EGGS:
   Fresh in shell
   Hard-boiled

3 weeks
1 week

-
-

* Cheese can be frozen, but freezing will affect the texture and taste.

(Sources: Food Marketing Institute for fish and dairy products, USDA for all other foods.)