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Fridge, freezer & pantry — how long everything really lasts
Temperature and packaging matter far more than dates. A properly-vacuumed roast keeps 6 months in the freezer; the same roast in cling film keeps 6 weeks.
Reviewed by Priya Nair · MS Food SafetyLast reviewed 2026-02-25 · corrections log
The four zones
Pantry ≤70 °F, fridge ≤40 °F, freezer ≤0 °F, deep freezer −10 °F. Anything above that shortens shelf life ~2× per 10 °F.
Priority list
Fresh fish 2 days · Ground meat 2 days · Poultry 2 days · Berries 3 days · Leafy greens 5 days · Eggs 3-5 weeks.
Sources
- USDA FSIS Cold Storage Chart
- FoodKeeper App
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