Category · Meat & Fish

How long do meat & fish last?

23 meat and fish items with cited storage and handling guidance. Open an item for its supported periods, state-specific conditions and sources.

Raw Chicken Fridge 1–2 days · Freezer 9 months (pieces)
Raw Ground Beef Fridge 1–2 days · Freezer 3–4 months
Raw Steak / Roast Fridge 3–5 days · Freezer 4–12 months
Raw Fish / Seafood Fridge 1–2 days · Freezer Up to 3 months (conservative quality estimate)
Raw Shrimp Fridge 1–2 days · Freezer 3–6 months (quality)
Bacon Fridge 1 week (opened) · Freezer 1 month
Deli Meat (sliced) Fridge 3–5 days (opened / deli-sliced) · Freezer 1–2 months
Hot Dogs Fridge 1 week (opened) · Freezer 1–2 months
Raw Eggs Fridge 3–5 weeks · Freezer 1 year (beaten; not in shell)
Smoked Salmon (opened) Fridge 2 days after opening · Freezer 2 months
Canned Tuna (opened) Fridge 3–4 days · Freezer About 2 months (quality)
Canned Chicken (opened) Fridge 3–4 days · Freezer 3 months
Sausage (raw, pork) Fridge 1–2 days · Freezer 1–2 months
Cooked Sausage / Bratwurst Fridge 3–4 days · Freezer 1–2 months
Lamb Chops (raw) Fridge 3–5 days · Freezer 9 months
Sushi (Raw Fish) Fridge 1–2 days
Beef Jerky (Commercial) Pantry 2–3 months after opening · Freezer 1–2 months (optional quality)
Ceviche Fridge 1–2 days
Dry-Cured Salami (Sliced / Opened) Fridge 3 weeks · Freezer 1–2 months
Cooked Bacon (Home-Cooked Leftovers) Fridge 4–5 days · Freezer 1 month
Canned anchovies A sealed tin does not automatically mean pantry storage. Crown Prince and Ortiz describe salt-cured, semi-preserved anchovies that need cool or refrigerated storage. Follow the actual label before and after opening; do not treat a swollen can as normal.
Refrigerated Pasteurized Crab Meat This guide covers refrigerated pasteurized crab meat, not live crab, fresh-picked meat, or shelf-stable seafood. Check the label: Phillips says its sealed product still needs refrigeration.
Canned Sardines (Shelf-Stable Commercial Tins) Only unopened commercial shelf-stable sardine tins belong in pantry storage. Check the label for the actual product. Once opened, transfer leftovers to a food-safe container, refrigerate promptly, and follow that maker's stated period.