How Long Can Pork Stay in the Fridge After Thawing?

Pork is a versatile and delicious meat that is a staple in many diets. However, like all meats, it requires proper storage and handling to prevent foodborne illness. One key consideration is how long pork can safely stay in the fridge after it has been thawed.

Overview of Pork Storage Recommendations

According to the USDA, raw pork chops, roasts, and ribs can be stored in the fridge for 3-5 days before cooking or freezing Ground pork only lasts 1-2 days After thawing raw pork cuts in the fridge, the USDA recommends using them within 3-5 days before cooking.

Raw pork can be refrigerated for 3-5 days when fresh.
Once thawed in the fridge, raw pork cuts can be kept refrigerated for another 3-5 days before cooking.

Let’s look at the details behind these fridge storage times.

Why Raw Pork Has Limited Fridge Life

Raw pork has a shorter shelf life compared to some other meats for two main reasons:

1 It’s more perishable,

Fresh pork has a high moisture content and nutrients that bacteria need to grow. It tends to spoil faster than some other meats.

2. Risk of foodborne illness.

Raw pork can contain harmful bacteria like Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, and others. Proper cooking kills these pathogens, but allowing pork to sit at fridge temperatures too long gives bacteria time to multiply to dangerous levels.

So fridge storage times are limited to ensure pork stays fresh and to control bacteria growth. Freezing pork pauses any spoilage or bacterial growth.

Fridge Temperature Is Critical

To keep raw pork safe in the fridge, temperature matters. The fridge should stay at 40°F or below. Some key points:

Check that your fridge temperature runs below 40°F.
Make sure the raw pork package doesn’t block air vents. This helps cold air circulate properly in the fridge.
Don’t overfill the fridge, as this reduces airflow.
Place raw pork on lower shelves, which are coldest.

Maintaining the proper fridge temperature keeps pork fresh longer and prevents bacteria from growing rapidly.

Handling Pork Safely After Thawing

Thawing frozen pork properly is the first step for safety. Safe thawing methods include:

In the fridge – Takes about 24 hours for a 1 lb package.
In cold water – Change water every 30 minutes.
In the microwave – Cook immediately after thawing.

Never thaw at room temperature or in hot water. This allows bacteria to grow.

After thawing raw pork cuts in the fridge, USDA guidelines recommend cooking or refreezing within 3-5 days. Here are some tips for safe handling during this time:

Keep thawed pork in the fridge below 40°F.
Place on a plate or in a container to catch any drips as it thaws.
Cook within 3-5 days and don’t refreeze at this point unless you cook it first.
Discard if raw pork has an off smell or color after thawing.

Cooking pork to an internal temperature of 145°F kills any bacteria for food safety.

How to Tell If Thawed Pork Has Spoiled

It’s important to check thawed pork for signs of spoilage before cooking. Look for:

Slime or stickiness on the pork’s surface.
Discoloration or graying.
Off odors – should not smell sour or ammonia-like.

If raw pork has a bad odor, texture changes, or strange colors, it has likely spoiled and should be discarded. Do not taste pork to determine if it’s gone bad.

Other Food Safety Tips for Pork

To prevent foodborne illness when handling pork, keep these other guidelines in mind:

Separate raw pork from other foods in your fridge and shopping cart.
Use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw pork.
Wash hands, utensils, sinks, and anything else touched by raw pork.
Cook pork thoroughly to 145°F with a rest time. Use a food thermometer.
Refrigerate cooked pork within 2 hours, or 1 hour if over 90°F outside.
Reheat cooked pork thoroughly to 165°F.

Following safe storage, thawing, and cooking methods helps protect you and your family from bacteria when enjoying delicious pork dishes.

The Bottom Line

So how long can thawed pork stay in the fridge? The USDA recommends using raw pork within 3-5 days after thawing in the refrigerator. Be sure to keep the fridge below 40°F and check for signs of spoilage before cooking. Additionally, handle raw pork carefully to prevent cross-contamination with other foods. Following these guidelines will help keep your food fresh and your family safe.

Can You Refreeze Thawed Meat?

FAQ

How long after defrosting pork should it be cooked?

Once thawed, cook meat and poultry products within the following time frame: Ground meat, stew meat, poultry, and seafood should be cooked within 1 to 2 days. Red meat cuts (such as beef, pork or lamb roasts, chops and steaks) should be cooked within 3 to 5 days.

Is pork still good after 3 days in fridge?

USDA recommends using cooked pork within three to four days, kept refrigerated (40 °F or less). Refrigeration slows but does not stop bacterial growth. USDA recommends using cooked leftovers within three to four days.

Can I cook pork after 7 days in the fridge?

For raw ground meats, poultry, seafood and variety meats (liver, tongue, chitterlings, etc.), refrigerate them only 1 to 2 days before either cooking or freezing. Beef, veal, lamb and pork roasts, steaks and chops may be kept 3 to 5 days.

How can you tell if pork is spoiled?

To help you make sure your pork is good, here are some easy ways to tell if it’s okay to eat: check for a foul smell, look for discoloration or slime, and feel for a sticky or slimy texture. Additionally, you should make sure you’re buying the freshest cuts and storing them properly for maximum safety.

How long does thaw pork last?

The best and safest way to thaw pork is in the refrigerator. When done this way, the pork can generally last for around 3 to 5 days. It’s important to note that the 3 to 5-day window applies to both raw and cooked pork. This means that if you thaw out a piece of uncooked pork, it can safely stay in the fridge for this period.

Can thawed pork be refrigerated?

A: Yes, you can marinate thawed pork and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Always marinate meat in the refrigerator to prevent bacterial growth. Q: Does the type of packaging affect how long thawed pork stays good in the fridge?

Can You thaw meat in the refrigerator?

You can thaw meat in the refrigerator with some advance planning because it takes some time. For example, a frozen turkey takes 24 hours to thaw for every 5 pounds of weight. One pound of ground meat or chicken takes 24 hours, perhaps longer if the temperature in your refrigerator is below the optimum temperature of 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

How long after thawing can you eat meat?

While foods are in the process of thawing in the refrigerator (40 °F or less), they remain safe. After thawing, use ground meats, poultry, and fish within one or two additional days, and use beef, pork, lamb or veal (roasts, steaks, or chops) within three to five days. For more information about thawing, please see The Big Thaw.