How Long Does Fresh (Raw) Ham Last in the Fridge?
Written by Jordan Morley · Storage times from the USDA FoodKeeper database · Last updated 28 October 2026
Raw (fresh) ham, whole or half, bone-in or boneless, keeps 3–5 days in the fridge and 6 months in the freezer.
Storage tips for fresh (raw) ham
- Fridge at 0–5°C. A fridge thermometer is the cheapest food-safety upgrade — many home fridges run warmer than their dial suggests.
You can also check the calorie content of fresh (raw) ham alongside its safety information. Want to know exactly what's in your food? Our ingredient checker covers E-numbers, allergens and vegan status.
Why this time limit?
‘Fresh ham’ is the US name for raw, uncured pork leg: what a UK butcher sells as a leg of pork, not the cooked ham you buy sliced. The USDA FoodKeeper gives every version (whole or half, bone-in or boneless) the same times, 3–5 days in the fridge and 6 months in the freezer, so one page covers them all. For cooked ham see cooked ham; for other raw cuts see raw pork.
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Store it properly
Fridge thermometer
These storage times assume 0–5°C — check what your fridge actually runs at.
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More storage essentials
Vacuum food sealer
Removes the air that speeds spoilage — extends shelf life by days.
Check Price →Airtight glass containers
Fridge, freezer and microwave safe — one less transfer step.
Check Price →Fresh (Raw) Ham: the other answers on this site
| Question | Short answer (links to the full page) |
|---|---|
| In the freezer (Fresh Ham (Bone-In, Whole)) | Yes — freezes well (best quality for 6 months) |
Common questions
How long does fresh (raw) ham last in the fridge?
3–5 days in a fridge running at 0–5°C (USDA FoodKeeper guidance). After that, quality and safety both start to slip, and because the bacteria that cause food poisoning are invisible, ‘it seems fine’ is not a reliable test. When in doubt, throw it out.
How can I tell if fresh (raw) ham has gone off?
A sour smell, a slimy or sticky surface or grey-green discolouration are all reasons to bin it. Do not rely on this alone: the time guideline matters even when everything looks fine.
Can I freeze fresh (raw) ham to keep it longer?
Yes. For best quality, freeze it for around 6 months; it stays safe beyond that because freezing halts bacterial growth, and only texture and flavour decline.
Does my fridge temperature really matter?
Yes. These times assume a fridge at 0–5°C, which is what the Food Standards Agency says to set it to. Bacteria grow faster in a warmer fridge, and many fridges run warmer than their dial suggests, so a cheap fridge thermometer is worth having.
Related answers
Primary source: USDA FoodKeeper.
General information only, not medical advice: see the medical disclaimer. Feeling unwell after eating something? Contact NHS 111 or your GP.