Maximizing Freshness: How Long Can Raw Pork Stay in the Fridge? (2024)

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.

Maximizing Freshness: How Long Can Raw Pork Stay in the Fridge? (1)

Ask the Test Kitchen: How Long Will Meat Last in the Fridge?

FAQ

Can I cook pork after 7 days in the fridge?

For raw ground meats, poultry, seafood and variety meats (liver, tongue, chitterlings, etc.), refrigerate them only 1 to 2 days before either cooking or freezing. Beef, veal, lamb and pork roasts, steaks and chops may be kept 3 to 5 days.

When should you throw away raw pork?

In general, consumers have one to three days to use that meat product if it is fresh before there would be concern from a safety standpoint. Typically retailers will mark down the price of a product if the sell by date is near.

How long can thawed pork stay in the fridge?

While foods are in the process of thawing in the refrigerator (40 °F or less), they remain safe. After thawing, use ground meats, poultry, and fish within one or two additional days, and use beef, pork, lamb or veal (roasts, steaks, or chops) within three to five days.

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.

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  2. Perfectly Boiled Salt Pork: Timing and Techniques for Maximizing Flavor
  3. How to Cook Pork Spare Ribs in the Oven for Tender, Juicy Results
  4. Does Maoam Have Pork Gelatin? Everything You Need To Know
Maximizing Freshness: How Long Can Raw Pork Stay in the Fridge? (2024)

FAQs

Maximizing Freshness: How Long Can Raw Pork Stay in the Fridge? ›

Pork. Fresh, uncooked pork can be refrigerated about as long as other meats: three to five days. This is regardless of whether it's a roast or pork chops. Raw ground pork should also only be kept in the fridge for one to two days.

How long can uncooked pork stay in the fridge? ›

For raw ground meats, poultry, seafood and variety meats (liver, tongue, chitterlings, etc.), refrigerate them only 1 to 2 days before either cooking or freezing. Beef, veal, lamb and pork roasts, steaks and chops may be kept 3 to 5 days.

Can you eat pork that's been in the fridge for 6 days? ›

USDA recommends using cooked pork within three to four days, kept refrigerated (40 °F or less). Refrigeration slows but does not stop bacterial growth. USDA recommends using cooked leftovers within three to four days.

How long can pork but stay in the fridge? ›

The USDA recommends the following: Raw Pork should be used within three to five days or freezing it. Cooked pork should be consumed within three to four days.

How long does vacuum sealed raw pork last in the fridge? ›

Raw Meats – Raw meats can be kept up to 10 day when vacuum packed before needing to be cooked or frozen. In comparison, raw meat that is not vacuum packed will only last 3-5 days in the refrigerator before turning.

Can you tell if raw pork has gone bad? ›

Your pork likely isn't safe to eat if the meat smells sour, looks yellow or gray, has a slimy coating, or is in a bloated package. To avoid this, ensure that the meat is stored correctly and consumed or frozen within 3 to 5 days of purchasing.

How long can pork marinate in the fridge? ›

Information. You can marinate pork, beef, lamb, veal, or game animals such as venison in the refrigerator in a covered container three to five days.

Can I eat pork 7 days after the sell-by date? ›

"It's safe to say 'days' but not more than a week for most refrigerated produce, months to years for canned and dry goods in the pantry, and I would say to not go past the date in the fridge for meat/fish/poultry, but they can last three months with good quality and if properly stored in the freezer," Jones says.

How long is pork good in the fridge after thawing? ›

While foods are in the process of thawing in the refrigerator (40 °F or less), they remain safe. After thawing, use ground meats, poultry, and fish within one or two additional days, and use beef, pork, lamb or veal (roasts, steaks, or chops) within three to five days.

How long can you dry pork in the fridge? ›

Drying the rind on your pork roast is one of the most crucial steps in mastering your crackling. After patting your pork roast dry with paper towel, we recommend leaving your roast skin side down on a bed of rock salt in the fridge for at least 24 hours.

Can you age pork in the fridge? ›

By aging meat on an elevated wire rack, uncovered and near your refrigerator's fan, air will circulate all around the meat, keeping it dry and cool. The sheet pan just goes underneath to catch drippings and keep your fridge clean. This setup minimizes moisture and heat, safeguarding against rot.

How long is pork good in the fridge reddit? ›

Which should I do? Raw pork lasts 3-5 days in the fridge.

Does pork go rancid? ›

A whiff of something unpleasant when you open up a package of pork — whether it's pork chops, sausage or deli meat — is a sign of spoilage. The odor from spoiled pork can sometimes be bad or sour, Amidor says. Plus, spoiled pork may taste different.

How many days can you keep raw pork in the fridge? ›

Put packages of raw pork in disposable plastic bags (if available) to contain any leakage which could cross contaminate cooked foods or produce. Take pork home immediately and refrigerate it at 40 °F (4.4 °C); use within 3 to 5 days or freeze (0 °F / -17.8 °C or less).

When should you throw away raw pork? ›

You can keep fresh uncooked pork in the fridge for up to 4 or 5 days after you buy it. Make sure to put your meat in the fridge as soon as you get home. Don't let your groceries sit in the car, especially if it's hot out. If you have to travel for longer than 1 hour from the grocery store, pack fresh pork in a cooler.

Does vacuum sealing keep meat longer? ›

Extends Shelf Life: With FoodSaver Vacuum sealers, you can keep food fresh up to five times longer compared to ordinary storage methods. Preserves Flavor and Quality: Vacuum sealing is also about how to preserve meat flavor as it decreases the likelihood of it becoming oxidized or discolored.

How long can pork belly stay in the fridge? ›

Uncooked pork belly that is wrapped tightly or stored in an airtight container (like a zip top bag) can be stored in the refrigerator for about three to five days or in the freezer for up to six months.

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