Refrigerator Storage Chart

reproduced from US Food & Drug Administration

Since product dates aren't a guide for safe use of a product, consult this chart and follow these tips. These short but safe time limits will help keep refrigerated foods from spoiling or becoming dangerous to consume.

• Purchase the product before "sell-by" or expiration dates.

• Follow handling recommendations on product.

• Keep meat and poultry in its package until just before using.

• If freezing meat and poultry in its original package longer than two months, overwrap these packages with airtight heavy-duty foil, plastic wrap, or freezer paper, or place the package inside a plastic bag.