7 Tips for Maintaining Meat at Ideal Storage Temperature – Take Note!

1 week ago

Each type of food has its own level of durability when stored in cold temperatures. For example, the storage temperature for vegetables and meat certainly cannot be the same, as each has distinct characteristics and risks of microbial contamination.

In general, meat requires a lower storage temperature than vegetables. So, what is the ideal storage temperature for meat to maintain its freshness for a long time? Read the complete guide here!

Meat Storage Temperature by Type

Each type of meat has different temperature requirements depending on the type of meat, its condition, and the type of cold storage used. Below are the appropriate meat storage settings and recommended storage durations:

Type of Meat	Condition	Refrigerator Storage (Below 4°C)	Freezer Storage (Below -18°C)
Processed Meat	Opened and sliced	3–5 days	1–2 months
Processed Meat	Unopened	2 weeks	1–2 months
Meat Links	Uncooked meat links	1–2 days	1–2 months
Meat Links	Cooked meat links	1 week	1–2 months
Ground Meat	Burgers, ground beef, turkey, chicken, and other poultry, veal, lamb, and blends	1–2 days	3–4 months
Beef	Steak	3–5 days	4–12 months
Beef	Beef cuts	3–5 days	4–12 months
Poultry	Chicken and turkey	1–2 days	1 year
Poultry	Chicken and turkey cuts	1–2 days	9 months
Fish	Fatty fish (catfish, tuna, salmon, etc.)	1–3 days	2–3 months
Fish	Lean fish (headlock, flounder, etc.)	1–3 days	6–8 months
Seafood	Crab meat	2–4 days	2–4 months
	Shrimp, lobster	2–4 days	2–4 months
	Live crab	1 day	Not recommended
	Freshwater shrimp/lobster	3–5 days	6–18 months
	Oysters, scallops, green mussels	3–10 days	3–4 months
	Squid	1–3 days	6–18 months

Tips for Storing Meat to Make It Last Longer

After you know the proper meat storage temperatures, you also need to understand how to store meat properly to make it last longer in the refrigerator. Here are some tips you can apply:

1. Use Proper Packaging

The first tip is to choose the right packaging for meat. You can use plastic, airtight food containers, or aluminum foil. Storing meat in the right container helps preserve its freshness, flavor, and texture.

2. Do Not Wash the Meat

It is highly advised not to wash meat before placing it in cold storage. Any remaining water can promote bacterial growth.

3. Keep the Refrigerator Clean

Besides knowing the proper freezer temperature for meat, you should also maintain the cleanliness of your freezer. Regular cleaning helps avoid bacterial contamination caused by a dirty appliance.

4. Set the Temperature Correctly

Temperature control is crucial. If you plan to consume the meat soon, store it at 4°C. If you want to store it longer, it's best to keep the meat frozen.

5. Check Meat Condition Before Storing

Before putting meat into storage, inspect its condition. If it's packaged meat, follow the storage instructions on the label and check the expiration date.

For fresh meat, it's better to cut it into smaller portions. This makes it easier to package and helps preserve its condition.

6. Apply the First In, First Out Method

Store older meat products at the front so they are used first. You can also label the packages to easily track which were stored earlier.

7. Do Not Refreeze Thawed Meat

If meat has been removed from the freezer, it should be cooked immediately and not refrozen. To avoid waste, plan portions in advance by dividing the meat before freezing.

In addition to understanding the correct storage temperatures and tips, another way to maintain meat freshness is to use reliable logistics services like MGM Bosco Logistics.

MGM Bosco Logistics, a pioneer in cold chain logistics in Indonesia, offers a variety of services to keep your meat fresh, including warehouse services.

By utilizing warehouse services from MGM Bosco Logistics, you gain access to high-quality storage. MGM Bosco Logistics' cold warehouses are equipped with environmentally friendly refrigeration technology and top-tier construction standards.

Their cold storage facilities are also equipped with food-grade certified equipment and tools.

With locations and service coverage in various strategic cities across Indonesia, MGM Bosco Logistics is ready to support your end-to-end logistics process. For more information, don’t hesitate to contact us!

References:

https://hellosehat.com/nutrisi/tips-makan-sehat/waktu-menyimpan-daging-di-kulkas-freezer/
https://kontainerindonesia.co.id/blog/suhu-penyimpanan-daging/
https://pndice.com/suhu-penyimpanan-daging/