How long does raw mince last in the fridge?
Raw mince bought from the butcher has a very short shelf life of just 1-2 days when stored in the fridge. If you aren’t going to use it within that time it should be frozen promptly after purchase. The exception to this rule is pre packed mince purchased at the supermarket which has a mix of food-safe gases added to extend the shelf life. In this case be guided by the use by date stated on the packaging. Find out more about use by dates.
Storing raw mince
Raw mince should be refrigerated or frozen promptly after purchase to prevent food spoilage.
How long does cooked mince last in the fridge?
Cooked mince can be refrigerated safely for up to 3 days. If you aren’t going to eat it within that time, cooked mince should be cooled rapidly and frozen within 2 hours of cooking.
If you fancy a quick snack, it’s okay to eat cold pre-cooked mince straight from the fridge as long as you are confident that it has been stored and handled safely at all times.
Storing cooked mince
Cooked mince can be safely left out at room temperature for no longer than 2 hours, before it should be refrigerated or frozen. The reason for this is bacteria multiply rapidly at room temperature and increases your risk of foodborne illnesses.
If your kitchen is very hot don’t leave cooked mince out for more than 30 minutes. Cool it down as rapidly as possible by removing from the pan and spreading out onto a shallow baking tray. Once cool enough that it won’t heat other foods, place it into an airtight storage container and get it into the fridge or freezer.
Cooked mince that has been left out at room temperature overnight is definitely not safe to eat, it could cause food poisoning and must be discarded.
Defrosting mince
Both cooked and raw mince that has been frozen should ideally be defrosted thoroughly before cooking or reheating. The safest way to do this is overnight in the fridge as it thaws gradually. Find out how to safely defrost mince here.
Tips for storing mince in the fridge
- Store mince in its original packaging or in airtight containers to prevent exposure to air which can lead to deterioration.
- Maintain a fridge temperature below 5℃ to inhibit bacterial growth and keep mince fresh.
- Place raw mince on the bottom shelf of the fridge where it is coolest.
- Store raw and cooked mince in separate containers on separate shelves to prevent cross contamination.
- Always label containers with the storage date and use by date to adhere to maximum storage time periods.