Meat / Smoked or Processed

Hamfresh, cook-before-eating, bone-in, whole

1 week in the fridge from the date of purchase and 1–2 months in the freezer.

Pantry

No USDA guidance

Fridge

from purchase: 1 week

Freezer

from purchase: 1–2 months

Source: USDA FSIS FoodKeeperHow to read these times

Common questions

How long does ham (fresh, cook-before-eating, bone-in, whole) last in the fridge?

1 week from the date of purchase.

Can you freeze ham (fresh, cook-before-eating, bone-in, whole), and for how long?

Yes. 1–2 months from the date of purchase.

How can I tell if ham (fresh, cook-before-eating, bone-in, whole) has gone bad?

Throw it out if it smells off, feels slimy or sticky, shows mold, or has changed color. Storage times assume it was handled safely and kept cold the whole time.