There is a pretty tight timeframe for freshness when it comes to raw cuts of meat. In a sense, the clock starts ticking as soon as you take it off the shelf and put it in your cart. The USDA says that uncooked meat can be kept in the fridge for three to five days without going bad. You should check on it after three days to see if it’s still safe to cook or freeze. This includes roasts and steaks, as well as veal, lamb, and pork chops. Turkey, seafood, and ground meats have an even shorter fridge-safe window of just one to two days.
Healthline says that eating food after these times increases the chance of getting both harmful bacteria and bacteria that make food go bad. Pathogenic bacteria is the more insidious of the two as it is responsible for foodborne illnesses. Spoilage bacteria won’t always make you sick, but they will change the taste, look, and smell of the meat, so it’s best to avoid them.
You can use pork in a lot of different ways, from making sausages to roasts. But, like any raw meat, pork goes bad quickly and only lasts a short time in the fridge. To keep food from going bad and making you sick, you need to know how long raw pork can stay in the fridge. Here is a comprehensive guide to maximizing pork freshness.
Overview of Raw Pork Fridge Life
The shelf life of raw pork depends on the cut:
- Raw pork chops – 3 to 5 days
- Raw ground pork – 1 to 2 days
These timeframes assume proper constant refrigeration at 40°F or below. Always rely on your senses not just the date on the package.
3 Factors that Impact Raw Pork Fridge Life
These three key factors determine how long raw pork stays fresh
1. Proper Temperature
- Fridge temp at 40°F or below
- Freezer at 0°F
Cold temperatures slow bacteria growth
2. Type of Packaging
- Intact, well-sealed packaging prevents contamination.
- Open packages or loose meat spoils faster.
3. Handling
- Separating into portions helps avoid cross-contamination.
- Minimizing contact avoids transferring bacteria.
Understanding what affects raw pork’s shelf life helps maximize freshness.
How to Tell if Raw Pork Has Spoiled
Watch for these signs of spoiled raw pork:
- Grayish color instead of pink
- Slimy or sticky texture
- Rancid or sour odor
Discard raw pork with these characteristics. Consuming it could potentially cause food poisoning.
Storing Raw Pork for Maximum Freshness
Follow these guidelines to safely store raw pork:
- Refrigerate raw pork immediately after purchase.
- Maintain refrigerator temp at 40°F or below.
- Place raw pork in sealable plastic bags or airtight containers.
- Avoid cross-contamination by separating raw pork from other foods.
- Use raw ground pork within 1-2 days.
- Use raw pork chops within 3-5 days.
- Freeze extras right away for 4-12 months of storage.
Raw Pork Refrigerator Storage Times
Follow these recommended maximum storage times from the USDA:
Raw Pork Chops
- 3 to 5 days in fridge
Raw Ground Pork
- 1 to 2 days in fridge
Raw Pork Roasts
- 3 to 5 days in fridge
Freezing Raw Pork
For extended storage, freeze raw pork:
- Chops: 4 to 12 months
- Roasts: 4 to 12 months
- Ground pork: 3 to 4 months
Freeze before the expiration of normal fridge life.
Tips for Freezing Raw Pork
To freeze raw pork:
- Place in freezer bags or airtight containers
- Remove as much air as possible
- Label with date and contents
- Freeze immediately after packaging
The Takeaway
The shelf life of raw pork in the fridge is limited. Follow safe handling procedures. Refrigerate raw pork right away and use within recommended time frames. Freeze additional pork for extended storage. With proper storage and handling, you can safely enjoy fresh pork dishes.
Ask the Test Kitchen: How Long Will Meat Last in the Fridge?
FAQ
Can I cook pork after 7 days in the fridge?
When should you throw away raw pork?
How long can thawed pork stay in the fridge?
How long can you keep raw pork in the fridge?
Raw ground pork should only be kept in the fridge for one to two days. It’s important to note that these guidelines are for fresh, uncooked pork. Once the pork has been cooked, it should be kept in the fridge for two to three days before being discarded. If you plan on storing pork in the fridge, it’s important to keep it below 40°F at all times.
How long can raw eggs last in the refrigerator?
It can last from 4 to 5 weeks depending on the state of your refrigerator. Please make sure to check whether there are broken eggs before storing them in fridge. Remove broken eggs to prevent contamination with the other eggs.
Should pork be stored in the refrigerator or freezer?
Remember to store your pork in the refrigerator or freezer as soon as you get it home. The goal of storing pork is to keep it in a temperature range that will not cause bacteria to develop. Ideally, pork should be stored in the refrigerator at a temperature at or below 40°F.
Does ground pork need to be refrigerated?
It’s essential to keep the meat refrigerated at a temperature below 40°F. It’s recommended to put the ground pork in a sealed airtight container in the coldest part of the refrigerator to keep it from spoiling. It’s better to avoid buying meat from a store that doesn’t have a refrigerator or a clear expiration date.