How long can you keep raw meat out of fridge before cooking?

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* Beef, veal, pork, and lamb steaks, roasts, and chops: 

- 3 to 5 days

* Ground beef, veal, pork, and lamb: 

- 1 to 2 days

* Fresh (uncured) sausage: 

- 1 to 2 days

* **Poultry (whole or parts):

- 1 to 2 days

* Ground poultry (including turkey and chicken): 

- 1 to 2 days

* Fish and shellfish: 

- 1 to 2 days

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Tips for Storing Raw Meat

* Keep raw meat separate from other foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and cooked meats, in the refrigerator.

* Place raw meat on a lower shelf in the refrigerator, so that it does not drip on other foods.

* Cover raw meat with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from contaminating other foods.

* If you are not going to cook raw meat within the recommended storage time, freeze it.

* Always wash your hands before and after handling raw meat.