ShelfLife
How long does veal last?
Raw veal roasts, chops and cutlets keep 3 to 5 days in the fridge from purchase, and 4 to 12 months in the freezer. Ground veal keeps only 1 to 2 days in the fridge and 3 to 4 months frozen.
| Food | Fridge | Freezer |
|---|---|---|
| Veal shoulder roast | 3–5 daysfrom purchase | 4–12 monthsfrom purchase |
| Veal leg roast | 3–5 daysfrom purchase | 4–12 monthsfrom purchase |
| Ground veal | 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 veal has gone bad
- A sour, rotten or ammonia smell.
- A slimy or sticky surface.
- Gray, green or brown discoloration on pale pink meat, or mold.
How to store veal
- Keep raw veal in its package on the bottom shelf of the fridge, on a plate.
- Cook or freeze whole cuts within 3 to 5 days, ground veal within 1 to 2 days.
- Refrigerate cooked veal within 2 hours and eat it within 3 to 4 days.
Can you freeze veal?
Yes. Roasts, chops and cutlets keep 4 to 12 months, ground veal 3 to 4 months. Wrap the meat tightly or vacuum-seal it, and freeze cutlets separated by parchment. Thaw in the fridge.
Questions
What temperature should veal be cooked to?
63 °C (145 °F) for roasts, chops and cutlets, with a 3-minute rest; ground veal needs 71 °C (160 °F).
How long does cooked veal last?
3 to 4 days in the fridge, and 2 to 3 months in the freezer.
Can you eat veal after the date?
Go by the times from purchase and the date on the package, whichever comes first. If it smells off or feels slimy, throw it out.
Add veal to ShelfLife when you buy it, and get a reminder before day 5.
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Storage times: USDA FoodKeeper (Food Safety and Inspection Service), public domain. Text by ShelfLife.