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Store bulk groceries safely by keeping the refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or below and the freezer at 0°F (-18°C) or below, putting perishables away promptly, and separating raw meat from ready-to-eat foods. Portion large quantities before chilling or freezing, then use the refrigerator storage windows below to decide what to cook or freeze first.
Set safe refrigerator and freezer temperatures
Use an appliance thermometer to check the actual temperature; a refrigerator or freezer dial setting does not confirm it. Keep the refrigerator at or below 40°F (4°C) and the freezer at or below 0°F (-18°C). The temperature range from 40°F to 140°F (4°C to 60°C) is the danger zone, where bacteria that cause food poisoning can multiply quickly. FoodSafety.gov’s food-safety guidance gives these targets and recommends checking them with a thermometer.
Put refrigerated and frozen groceries away promptly. Refrigerate perishable food within two hours, or within one hour if the surrounding temperature is above 90°F (32°C). Don’t leave groceries on the counter while unpacking the rest of a large shop.
Use these refrigerator windows for meat and leftovers
The following windows apply when the refrigerator is at 40°F (4°C) or below. They are from the FoodSafety.gov Cold Food Storage Chart, last reviewed September 19, 2023.
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| Food | Refrigerator window |
|---|---|
| Raw ground meat or poultry | 1–2 days |
| Fresh chicken or turkey, whole or cut | 1–2 days |
| Fresh beef, veal, lamb, or pork steaks, chops, and roasts | 3–5 days |
| Cooked meat or poultry leftovers | 3–4 days |
If you won’t use meat within its refrigerator window, freeze it promptly rather than letting it sit until you have time to cook it. These are storage guidelines, not a reason to rely on smell or appearance to decide whether food is safe.
Freeze bulk meat and leftovers in useful portions
Divide large purchases into meal-sized portions before freezing. Package them securely, remove excess air where practical, and label each package with the food and date so you can find and use older portions first. For leftovers or large cuts, use smaller portions or shallow containers to help food cool more quickly.
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At 0°F (-18°C), FoodSafety.gov lists these freezer periods for best quality:
| Food | Freezer period for quality |
|---|---|
| Ground meat and poultry | 3–4 months |
| Poultry pieces | 9 months |
| Whole chicken or turkey | 1 year |
| Beef, veal, lamb, and pork cuts | 4–12 months |
| Cooked meat or poultry leftovers | 2–6 months |
These freezer periods are for quality, not safety. Food kept continuously at 0°F (-18°C) or below can remain safe indefinitely, although its quality may change over time. Thaw meat in the refrigerator rather than on the counter.
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- Energy Efficient Design - This 7.0 Cu Ft chest freezer features advanced energy-saving technology, helping you reduce electricity bills while keeping your food fresh. Whether freezing meats, vegetables, or ice cream, enjoy long-lasting freezing performance.It’s about $0.0492 per day (based on a 12-cent per kWh electricity rate).
- Quiet Operation - Designed with quiet technology, this freezer operates almost silently, making it perfect for use in homes, apartments, or garages. Enjoy a cool environment without the noise disruption.
- Adjustable Temperature Control - Equipped with a 6-setting adjustable thermostat, you can easily set the temperature according to your needs, ensuring that different foods are stored at their optimal conditions to meet your personalized requirements.
- User-Friendly Design - The built-in removable basket allows for easy storage and retrieval of food items, helping you keep your frozen goods organized and accessible. The exterior defrost water drain simplifies cleaning and maintenance.
- Compact and Versatile - This compact deep freezer is designed to fit in various spaces. Whether in your home, office, or garage, it serves as your ideal freezing solution, providing ample storage space to meet all your freezing needs.
Prevent raw-meat juices from contaminating other food
Keep raw meat sealed and separate from produce and ready-to-eat foods. Store it so juices cannot drip onto other items; a covered container or tray can help contain leaks. Keep raw-meat utensils and surfaces separate from food that is ready to eat, and clean them after use. Don’t overfill the refrigerator, since cold air needs room to circulate. USDA FSIS also advises against storing perishable food in the refrigerator door. See its refrigeration and food safety guidance.
Store and prepare fresh produce safely
Choose produce that is not bruised or damaged, and keep it separate from raw meat, poultry, and seafood during transport and storage. Refrigerate perishable produce such as strawberries, lettuce, herbs, and mushrooms at 40°F (4°C) or below. Refrigerate purchased pre-cut or packaged produce. For intact fruits and vegetables whose refrigeration needs are unclear, ask the grocer; storage for some produce depends on quality as well as safety.
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- Large Storage Capacity - Effortlessly store frozen food and meals with this spacious 5.0 cu. ft. freezer that’s perfect for large families and those who love to meal prep. Use it to store frozen appetizers and treats, freezer meals, meats, and more.
- Adjustable Thermostat - Set the temperature with ease using the Adjustable Thermostat knob, featuring seven settings for personalized temperature control based on your needs.
- Effortless Organization - Equipped with a removable vinyl-coated wire basket, this top door freezer offers simplified organization and easy access to smaller items.
- Easy Maintenance - Enjoy hassle-free cleaning with the easy access exterior defrosting drain, making clean up and maintenance a breeze.
- Convenient Design - Easily monitor the power status at a glance with the power-on indicator light.
Before preparing or eating produce:
- Rinse it thoroughly under running water, even if you plan to peel it.
- Scrub firm produce such as melons and cucumbers with a clean produce brush.
- Do not use soap, detergent, or commercial produce wash.
- Refrigerate cut produce promptly and keep it away from raw meat and its utensils.
Washing reduces bacteria but does not eliminate them. The FDA’s produce safety guidance covers washing and storage.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Keep dairy cold and follow the package
Put refrigerated dairy away promptly, keep it at or below 40°F (4°C), and follow the product’s package directions. Do not use a general meat-storage window as a substitute for product-specific dairy guidance; the FoodSafety.gov chart linked above does not provide the milk, yogurt, and cheese durations needed to give those items a verified time limit here.
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- Large Storage Capacity - Effortlessly store frozen food and meals with this spacious 7.0 cu. ft. freezer that’s perfect for large families and those who love to meal prep. Use it to store frozen appetizers and treats, freezer meals, meats, and more.
- Adjustable Thermostat - Set the temperature with ease using the Adjustable Thermostat knob, featuring seven settings for personalized temperature control based on your needs.
- Effortless Organization - Equipped with a removable vinyl-coated wire basket, this top door freezer offers simplified organization and easy access to smaller items.
- Easy Maintenance - Enjoy hassle-free cleaning with the easy access exterior defrosting drain, making clean up and maintenance a breeze.
- Convenient Design - Easily monitor the power status at a glance with the power-on indicator light.
What to do during a power outage
Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed. According to FoodSafety.gov’s power-outage guidance, an unopened refrigerator can keep food safe for up to four hours. A closed full freezer holds a safe temperature for approximately 48 hours, or approximately 24 hours if it is half full.
If you transfer food to a cooler, use enough ice to keep it at 40°F (4°C) or below. After an outage, check the agency’s item-specific discard chart. Never taste food to decide whether it is safe.
Quick Recap
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