Product	Refrigerator (40°F)	Freezer (0°F)
Hot Dogs & Bratwurst
opened package	1 week	1 to 2 months
unopened package	2 weeks	1 to 2 months
Hamburger, Ground & Stew Meat
Hamburger & stew meat	1 to 2 days	3 to 4 months
Ground turkey, veal, pork, lamb & mixtures of them	1 to 2 days	3 to 4 months
Fresh Beef, Veal, Lamb, Pork
Steaks	3 to 5 days	6 to 12 months
Chops	3 to 5 days	4 to 6 months
Roasts	3 to 5 days	4 to 6 months
Meat Leftovers
Cooked meat and meat casseroles	3 to 4 days	2 to 3 months
Gravy and meat broth	1 to 2 days	2 to 3 months
Fresh Poultry
Chicken or turkey, whole	1 to 2 days	1 year
Chicken or turkey, pieces	1 to 2 days	9 months

Thawing

To thaw meat, fish and poultry safely, take it out of the freezer and place in the refrigerator. Place in a plastic bag or in a pan or dish to prevent juices from dripping onto other foods. A one-inch steak will thaw in 12 to 14 hours. Allow 4 to 7 hours per pound to thaw a large roast and 3 to 5 hours per pound for a small roast. A one-inch thick package of ground beef will defrost in 24 hours. For quick thawing, use the microwave oven according to manufacturer's directions and then cook defrosted food immediately.

Never defrost meat, poultry or fish on the kitchen counter or in warm water. Bacteria multiply rapidly at temperatures 40 degrees - 140 degrees F.