Since product dates aren’t a guide for safe use of a product, consult this chart and follow these tips. These short but safe time limits will help keep refrigerated food 40° F (4° C) from spoiling or becoming dangerous.

• Purchase the product before “sell-by” or expiration dates.
• Follow handling recommendations on product.
• Keep meat and poultry in its package until just before using.
• If freezing meat and poultry in its original package longer than 2 months, overwrap these packages with airtight heavy-duty foil, plastic wrap, or freezer paper, or place the package inside a plastic bag.
• Cook foods to the required minimum cooking temperatures:
  - 165 F > Poultry, poultry stuffing, and stuffed meat.
  - 158 F > Ground Beef, fish, and seafood.
  - 150 F > Pork and food containing pork.
  - 145 F > shell eggs and foods containing shell eggs.