🧊 Food Shelf-Life & Safety

USDA / FDA Food Safety & Inspection Service shelf-life database. Evaluates storage windows across Pantry, Refrigerator, and Freezer, plus Danger Zone temperature limits.

🍞 Pantry
Do Not Store
Room Temp (20°C)
❄️ Fridge (≤4°C)
1 to 2 Days
35°F - 38°F Ideal
🧊 Freezer (≤-18°C)
9 Months
Indefinite Safety
⚠️ Spoilage Signs vs Safe Changes: Danger Zone: 2h Max
Raw poultry spoiled: sour odor, slimy surface film, grayish cast. Discard immediately; bacteria will not be neutralized safely by high heat cooking.
Freezer Burn Prevention: Wrap tightly in heavy aluminum foil or vacuum seal. While food stored continuously at 0°F (-18°C) remains safe forever microbiologically, quality drops as sublimation occurs.