Storage & shelf life
How to store raw meat safely in the fridge
Where raw meat should go, how to prevent leaks and how UK and US storage guidance differs.
Direct answer
Keep it sealed, low down and away from ready-to-eat food
Put raw meat or poultry in a clean sealed container on the bottom shelf so it cannot touch or drip onto other food. Keep the refrigerator cold and follow the package instructions and UK use-by date. In the US, keep the refrigerator at 40°F / 4°C or below and use the food-specific storage periods.[1] [2] [3]
Key Takeaways
Contain leaks, separate food and follow the right time limit
- Use a clean sealed container on the bottom shelf.
- Keep raw meat and its juices away from ready-to-eat food.
- Follow the UK package instructions and use-by date.
- Keep a US refrigerator at 40°F / 4°C or below.
- Do not wash raw meat or poultry.
- Clean hands, surfaces and utensils after contact with raw meat.
What official guidance says
The NHS says raw meat or poultry should be stored in clean sealed containers on the bottom shelf of the fridge. This prevents it from touching other food and helps stop juices dripping onto it. The NHS also says to follow package storage instructions and not to eat meat after its use-by date.[1]
NHS Inform gives the same bottom-shelf and sealed-container advice for Scotland. It says the refrigerator should be between 0°C and 5°C and that raw meat should be kept separate from ready-to-eat food.[2]
USDA FSIS says to keep raw meat, poultry, fish and their juices away from other food. It says to refrigerate promptly and keep the refrigerator at 40°F / 4°C or below.[3]
Set up the fridge to reduce leaks
| Area | Suitable use | Why it helps |
|---|---|---|
| Upper shelves | Cooked and ready-to-eat food in covered containers | Keeps food that will not receive further cooking away from raw drips |
| Middle shelves | Dairy and other chilled food according to the package instructions | Keeps routine chilled food visible and organised |
| Bottom shelf | Raw meat, poultry or fish in a clean sealed container | Helps contain leaks below other food[1] [2] |
This is a practical layout. Refrigerators vary so use an appliance thermometer if you are unsure about the temperature and follow the appliance instructions where relevant.
How cold should the fridge be?
United Kingdom
NHS Inform says a refrigerator should be kept between 0°C and 5°C. Follow any colder storage instruction printed on the product.[2]
United States
USDA FSIS and FoodSafety.gov say the refrigerator should be at 40°F / 4°C or below.[3] [4]
How long can raw meat stay in the fridge?
| Raw product | United Kingdom | United States |
|---|---|---|
| Raw meat or poultry generally | Follow the package instructions and use-by date.[1] | Keep at 40°F / 4°C or below and use the food-specific range.[3] [4] |
| Ground meat, raw sausage and fresh poultry | Follow the package instructions and use-by date. | One to two days.[3] [4] |
| Fresh beef, veal, lamb or pork steaks, chops and roasts | Follow the package instructions and use-by date. | Three to five days.[3] [4] |
US periods do not extend a shorter package instruction. For the full country difference between UK use-by dates and US date labels, read Best before, use by and best by dates.
If the package leaks
Move the meat into a clean sealed container and keep it away from ready-to-eat food. Clean the affected shelf, handle or nearby surface promptly then wash your hands.[1] [2]
If raw juices reach food that will not be cooked, treat it as cross-contaminated. Do not rinse it and assume it is safe. USDA says to keep raw meat and its juices away from cooked or ready-to-eat food and fresh produce.[5]
Do not wash raw meat or poultry
Washing raw meat does not make it safer. NHS and NHS Inform say splashing water can spread bacteria to the sink, worktops and utensils. Store it securely and cook it according to the product instructions instead.[1] [2]
When should you freeze it?
If you will not use the meat in time, freeze it before the UK use-by date or within the relevant US refrigerator period. Follow the package freezing instructions where they appear. Read Can you freeze food on its use-by date? for the UK timing boundary.
Practical conclusion
The everyday setup is simple: sealed raw meat on the bottom shelf, ready-to-eat food above it and a refrigerator kept in the official temperature range. Follow the package instructions and date. Do not use smell or a sealed container as a reason to extend the storage time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to store raw meat safely in the fridge FAQs
Should raw meat always go on the bottom shelf?
UK guidance says raw meat and poultry should be kept in a clean sealed container on the bottom shelf so they cannot touch or drip onto other food.
Can I leave raw chicken in the fridge for three days?
In the US, federal guidance lists fresh chicken for one to two refrigerator days at 40°F or 4°C or below. In the UK, follow the package storage instructions and use-by date. Freeze it within the applicable limit if you cannot use it in time.
Does a sealed container make raw meat last longer?
No. A sealed container helps prevent leaks and cross-contamination. It does not extend a package date or official storage period.
Should I wash chicken before storing or cooking it?
No. UK guidance says washing raw meat or poultry can spread bacteria through splashes. Store it securely and cook it properly instead.
What if the meat smells normal after the use-by date?
A normal smell does not override a UK use-by date. Smell cannot prove that food is safe. Follow the date and storage guidance.
References
Official sources
United Kingdom source · 1
NHS - Meat in your dietReviewed 28 August 2026
Scotland source · 2
NHS Inform - Preparing and cooking food safelyReviewed 28 August 2026
United States source · 3
USDA FSIS - Keep Food Safe! Food Safety BasicsReviewed 28 August 2026
United States source · 4
FoodSafety.gov - Cold Food Storage ChartReviewed 28 August 2026
United States source · 5
USDA FSIS - Washing Food: Does it Promote Food Safety?Reviewed 28 August 2026
RecallBite editorial note: RecallBite is an independent aggregator of public official information. It is not a regulator or medical provider. This guide cannot assess a particular food from a description, smell or appearance. Check the linked official source and follow current package instructions and official notices.