* Keep hot foods hot:
                           To prevent the buildup of bacteria, cook foods thoroughly, especially meat,
                            poultry, and egg dishes. Don't partially cook something, and then finish later,
                            as bacteria can form between cooking.
                           Bacteria grows at room temperature, so be sure to throw out any leftover food
                            that has been sitting out for more than two hours.
                           Cover leftovers when reheating to retain moisture, and heat it all the way through.
 

                           * Keep cold foods cold:
                           Keep your refrigerator at 40 degrees, and your freezer at 0 degrees or less
                           Thaw meat and poultry in the fridge overnight. Don't place meat on the counter.
                           Store leftovers i the fridge as soon as possible. Don't let food cool on the counter
                           If you live more than 30 minutes from the store, bring a cooler to place your meat in.

                           * Keep foods clean
                            Bacteria are everywhere so always wash and dry your hands before cooking.
                            When working with raw meat and poultry wash your hands, counters, and utensils
                            in hot soapy water between each recipe step. Bacteria on raw meats can contaminate
                            other foods. Never put cooked meat or poultry on the same plate that holds raw
                            foods.
 

                                                                Store Your Foods Safely

                           Fresh Meats:                                   Fridge                                Freezer
                            Beef roast                                          3-5 days                             6-12 months
                            Lamb roast                                        3-5 days                             6-9 months
                            Pork & Veal roasts                            3-5 days                             4-8 months
                            Beef steaks                                        3-5 days                             6-12 months
                            Lamb chops                                       3-5 days                             6-9 months
                            Pork chops                                        3-5 days                             3-4 months
                            Ground & stew meats                        1-2 days                             3-4 months
                            Pork Sausage                                    1-2 days                             1-2 months

                           Cooked meats:
                            Cooked meats and meat dishes           3-4 days                             2-3 months

                           Processed meats:
                            Bacon                                                1 week                                1 month
                            Hotdogs                                             1 week                                1-2 months
                            Whole hams                                       1 week                                1-2 months
                            Lunch/Deli meats                                3-5 days                              1-2 months
                            Smoked sausage                                1 week                                 1-2 months

                           Fresh Poultry & Fish:
                            Whole chicken & turkey                    1-2 days                                12 months
                            Chicken pieces                                  1-2 days                                9 months
                            Turkey pieces                                    1-2 days                                6 months
                            Whole duck & goose                         1-2 days                                6 months
                            Fat fish                                              1-2 days                                4 months
                            Lean fish                                            1-2 days                                8 months

                           Cooked poultry:
                            Covered with broth or gravy               1-2 days                               6 months
                            Pieces                                                3-4 days                               1 month
                            Cooked poultry dishes                        3-4 days                               4-6 months

                           Eggs & Cheese:
                            Whites                                                2-4 days                             9-12 months
                            Whole eggs                                         4 weeks                              9-12 months
                            Yolks                                                 2-3 days                              9-12 months
                            Cottage cheese                                   5 days                                 not recommended
                            Hard cheese                                        3-4 months                        6 months
                            Soft cheese                                         2 weeks                              4 months

                            Ice Cream                                                                                     1-3 months
                            Butter or Margarine                            1 week                                3-6 months