🧊 Food Storage Safety Guide
How long does it really keep? Search any food for safe fridge, freezer, and pantry storage times — based on USDA food-safety guidelines.
❄️ Fridge: keep at or below 40°F (4°C)
🧊 Freezer: keep at 0°F (−18°C)
⚠️ Danger zone: 40–140°F — don’t leave food out over 2 hours
| Food | Fridge | Freezer | Notes |
|---|
The 2-hour rule
Bacteria multiply fastest between 40°F and 140°F — the “danger zone.” Never leave perishable food at room temperature for more than 2 hours (or 1 hour if it’s above 90°F outside). When in doubt, throw it out: spoiled food doesn’t always smell or look off. Cool leftovers quickly in shallow containers and refrigerate within that window.
🧰 More free kitchen tools
Air Fryer Cooking Times Meat Temperature Chart Air Fryer Conversion Chart All Free Kitchen ToolsFood Storage Safety — FAQ
How long do leftovers last in the fridge?+
Cooked leftovers keep 3–4 days in the fridge at 40°F or below. For longer storage, freeze them within that window — they stay safe in the freezer for 2–3 months.
How long does raw chicken last in the fridge?+
Raw chicken keeps only 1–2 days in the fridge. Freeze it if you won’t cook it in time; frozen raw chicken stays good for 9–12 months.
What temperature should my fridge and freezer be?+
Keep your refrigerator at or below 40°F (4°C) and your freezer at 0°F (−18°C). Bacteria grow fastest in the 40–140°F danger zone.
Is food safe to eat after the freezer time?+
Food frozen at 0°F stays safe indefinitely — the freezer times are about quality, not safety. After them, food is still safe but may lose flavor and texture.
✨ Times are general guidelines based on USDA FoodKeeper data for food stored at safe temperatures. They are not a guarantee — always use your senses and follow “use-by” dates. When in doubt, throw it out.