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Meat & Poultry

Ground beef

Fridge (4°C / 40°F)

1–2 days

Freezer (−18°C / 0°F)

3–4 months

Store it right

  • Store on the lowest shelf, still sealed, at 4°C (40°F) or colder.
  • Freeze in flat, thin packs so it thaws quickly and evenly.
  • Thaw in the fridge overnight, never on the counter.

Signs it has gone off

  • Tacky or slimy texture.
  • Sour, tangy smell.
  • Brown throughout plus any off smell (brown on the inside only is just oxygen, not spoilage).

Never taste food to test it — a small bite is enough to make you ill.

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