How long does lamb last in the fridge?

Raw lamb chops, roasts, leg and stew meat keep 3 to 5 days in the fridge after you buy them, and 4 to 12 months in the freezer. Ground lamb keeps only 1 to 2 days in the fridge and 3 to 4 months frozen.

Food	Fridge	Freezer
Lamb chops, ribs or loin	3–5 daysfrom purchase	4–12 monthsfrom purchase
Boneless leg of lamb	3–5 daysfrom purchase	4–12 monthsfrom purchase
Lamb stew meat	3–5 daysfrom purchase	4–12 monthsfrom purchase
Ground lamb	1–2 daysfrom purchase	3–4 monthsfrom purchase

Fridge at 4 °C (40 °F) or colder, freezer at −18 °C (0 °F). Freezer times are for best quality: food kept frozen stays safe, but slowly loses taste and texture. These times are USDA guidance, not a guarantee. When in doubt, throw it out.

How to tell if lamb has gone bad

A sour, rotten or ammonia smell, stronger than lamb's natural gamey smell.
A slimy or sticky surface.
Gray, green or brown patches, or mold.

How to store lamb

Keep raw lamb in its package on the bottom shelf of the fridge, on a plate.
Cook or freeze whole cuts within 3 to 5 days, and ground lamb within 1 to 2 days.
Refrigerate cooked lamb within 2 hours and eat it within 3 to 4 days.

Can you freeze lamb?

Yes. Chops, legs and stew meat keep their best quality for 4 to 12 months, ground lamb 3 to 4 months. Wrap the meat tightly or vacuum-seal it to prevent freezer burn. Thaw it in the fridge: a day for chops, 1 to 2 days for a leg, and cook it within 3 to 5 days.

Questions

What temperature should lamb be cooked to?

63 °C (145 °F) for chops, roasts and leg, followed by a 3-minute rest; ground lamb needs 71 °C (160 °F).

How long does cooked lamb last?

3 to 4 days in the fridge, and 2 to 3 months in the freezer.

How long does a leg of lamb take to thaw?

About 1 to 2 days in the fridge, depending on its size. Don't thaw it on the counter.

Add lamb to ShelfLife when you buy it, and get a reminder before day 5.

▶ Coming soon toGoogle Play Coming soon on theApp Store