FOOD STORAGE GUIDE
CATEGORY
PRODUCT
REFRIGERATOR
FREEZER
STORAGE TIPS
MEAT
Sausages and Mince 1-2 Days
2-3 Months
Keep cold meat at the back of the
refrigerator where it is coldest.
Plastic can cause meat to sweat if
stored in refrigerator for more
than a day.
Roast can take up to 48 hours to
defrost properly, transfer frozen
roast to the refrigerator 2 days
before use.
Chops and Steak
3-4 Days
4-6 Months
Cold Meats
3-5 Days
4-6 Months
Roasts
3-5 Days
12 Months
POULTRY
Chicken
1-2 Days
2 Months
If poultry takes on a smell or
colour you are unsure about it is
best to throw it out.
Whole eggs are not suitable for
freezing, slightly beaten eggs may
be frozen for four months.
Roast Chicken
3-5 Days
12 Months
Eggs
6 Weeks
Not Suitable
SEAFOOD
Whole fish and fillets 2-3 Days
2 Months
Store in an airtight container or foil.
Never freeze prawns in salty water
as this will dehydrate the flesh.
Lobster and crabs
1-2 Days
2 Months
Prawns
1-2 Days
2 Months
DAIRY
Milk
Until Expiry Date
Not Suitable
If dairy takes on a smell or colour
and you are unsure about it, it is
best to throw it out.
Depending on the variety hard
cheese can last from 2 weeks to
2 months.
Yoghurt
7- 10 Days
Not Suitable
Hard Cheeses
2 Weeks – 2 Months 2 Months (Grated)
Soft Cheeses
1-2 Weeks
Not Suitable
Butter
8 Weeks
12 Months
FRUIT &
VEGETABLES
Every fruit and vegetable has a
different shelf life. Some stay fresh
for a couple of days e.g beans,
others can last for a couple of
months e.g. onions.
8-12 Months
When freezing
chop and blanch
in small portions.
Keep vegetables in the crisper
and away from the air vents to
avoid freezing.
Don’t wash fruit and vegetables
before storing them in the refrigerator
as this can make them susceptible to
rotting.
LEFT OVERS
Homemade meals
3-4 Days
2-6 Months
Store in sealed container.
Freeze meals in small portion sizes
to limit wastage.
IMPORTANT
Please note, use this information as a guide only, actual
storage times will vary depending on how you use your
refrigerator, climatic conditions and the freshness of the food.
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