How long food keeps in the fridge
Times below assume a fridge at ≤4 °C (40 °F) and a freezer at −18 °C (0 °F). Freezing keeps food safe indefinitely but quality fades. The 2-hour rule: perishables left above 4 °C for over 2 hours should be discarded.
| Food | Fridge (≤4 °C) | Freezer (−18 °C) |
|---|---|---|
| Raw chicken / poultry | 1–2 days | 9–12 months |
| Raw beef steaks | 3–5 days | 4–12 months |
| Raw minced meat | 1–2 days | 3–4 months |
| Raw fish | 1–2 days | 2–6 months (best ≤3) |
| Cooked meat / leftovers | 3–4 days | 2–3 months |
| Cooked rice / grains | 3–4 days | 1–2 months (texture) |
| Opened milk | 5–7 days | Not recommended (separates) |
| Butter | 1–3 months | 6–9 months |
| Hard cheese (opened) | 3–6 weeks | 6 months (grating best) |
| Soft cheese (opened) | 1–2 weeks | 2 months |
| Eggs (in carton) | 3–5 weeks | Do not freeze in shell |
| Yogurt (opened) | 1 week | 1–2 months |
| Leafy greens (washed) | 3–5 days | Blanch 2–3 min, then 8–12 months |
| Cut melon / fruit | 3–4 days | 8–12 months |
| Deli sliced meats | 3–5 days | 1–2 months |
| Takeout / delivered meals | 3–4 days | 2–3 months |
Notes
- The “sniff test” fails for listeria — when in doubt with ready-to-eat deli items, throw them out.
- Cool leftovers within 2 hours; divide into shallow boxes to speed chilling.
- Freezer burn is a quality issue, not safety — trim and cook.
Frequently asked questions
- How long do cooked leftovers last in the fridge?
- 3–4 days at ≤4 °C, or 2–3 months in the freezer. Beyond that, discard even if they smell fine.
- How long does raw chicken keep?
- Only 1–2 days in the fridge; freeze it on day one if not cooking within two days.
- What is the 2-hour rule?
- Perishable food left at room temperature (above 4 °C) for more than 2 hours — 1 hour above 32 °C — should be thrown away; bacteria double fast in that range.