Food

Maximum Storage Temp °F

Maximum Storage Period

Dairy Products

Milk (fluid)

40

3 days

Butter

40

2 weeks in waxed cartons

Cheese (hard)

40

6 months in tightly covered container

Cheese (soft)

40

7 days in tightly covered container

Ice Cream and Ices

10

3 months in original covered container

Eggs

45

7 days

Fish

Fresh

36

2 days loosely wrapped

Shell Fish

36

5 days in covered container

Fruits

Peaches, Plums, Berries

50

7 days unwashed

Apples, Pears, Citrus

50-70

2 weeks, original container

Poultry

36

7 days

Meat

Ground

38

2 days

Fresh Meat Cuts

38

6 days

Liver and Variety Meats

38

2 days

Cold Cuts (sliced)

38

6 days

Cured Bacon

38

1-4 weeks

Ham (tender cured)

38

1-6 weeks

Ham (canned)

38

6 weeks, original container

Dried Beef

38

6 weeks

Vegetables

Leafy

45

7 days

Potatoes, Onions, Root Vegetables

50-70

7-30 days, dry in ventilated containers

Frozen Food

Maximum Storage Period at 0° F

Eggs

6-12 months

Fruit

8-12 months

French-Fried Potatoes

2-6 months

Meats

Beef

6-12 months

Lamb and Veal

6-9 months

Pork

3-6 months

Sausage and Ground Meat

1-3 months

Cooked Meat, not covered with gravy or other sauces

1 month

Meat Sandwiches

1 month

Poultry

Chicken

6-12 months

Turkey

3-6 months

Giblets

3 months

Cooked poultry meat

1 month

Cooked poultry dishes

3-6 months