EHS-For You and Your Family

Food Expiration

Many people do not know when food is too old and may be unsafe to eat.  These guidelines can help you know when your food is out of date.

  • Meats
    • Beef-Refrigerated
      • Three to Five days
    • Poultry and Fish-Refrigerated
      • Up to Two days
    • Frozen (less than zero degrees Fahrenheit)
      • Between three months and a year
  • Dairy
    • Milk and Soft Cheese
      • Around a week
    • Hard Cheese
      • Up to six months
      • If moldy, cut off 1/2 inch around entire block
    • Eggs
      • Three to five weeks
  • Fresh produce
    • Cut fruit
      • Refrigerate immediately
    • Discard slimly, smelly and moldy produce immediately
  • Canned foods
    • Low acid (meat, vegetables)
      • Up to five years
    • High acid (tomatoes and other fruits)
      • Up to 18 months
  • Store in cool, dry areas