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    How Long Can You Refrigerate or Freeze Food?

    Surprising expiration dates for popular perishables.

    By Elisa Huang

    If you're saving food in plastic bags, be sure to follow the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Food and Drug Administration guidelines for safe storage. Frozen foods can be stored indefinitely, but the flavor can change when food is stored past the time limits below.


    Raw Beef Roast and Steaks
    Refrigerator:
    3 to 5 days
    Freezer: 6 to 12 months

    Related: 6 Steps to a Delicious Beef Burger

    Raw Pork Roast and Chops
    Refrigerator:
    3 to 5 days
    Freezer: 4 to 6 months

    Related: The Best Marinades

    Raw Lamb Roast and Chops
    Refrigerator:
    3 to 5 days
    Freezer: 6 to 9 months

    Related: The 5 Tastiest Warehouse-Club Buys

    Raw Veal Roast and Chops
    Refrigerator: 3 to 5 days
    Freezer: 4 to 6 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

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