How long does goat last?
In the fridge, goat keeps for 3 to 5 days from the package date. All 3 kinds are below.
No guideline
3 to 5 days
from the package date
No guideline
By kind
| Kind | Pantry | Fridge | After opening | Freezer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| tender whole cuts (legs, ribs, shoulder, loin) | no guideline | 3 to 5 days | no guideline | 4 to 12 months |
| less tender whole cuts (stew meat, riblets, shanks) | no guideline | 3 to 5 days | no guideline | 4 to 12 months |
| ground | no guideline | 1 to 2 days | no guideline | 3 to 4 months |
No guideline: USDA gives no time for that place, usually because the food is not stored that way.
Does goat go bad?
Yes. The fridge time above is the window USDA gives for good quality; after it, goat may still be safe for a short while but quality drops and spoilage signs start. The date on the package is the maker's quality promise; the times here count from purchase unless marked "from the package date".
Two numbers to keep in mind: a fridge at 40 F (4 C) or below, and no more than 2 hours at room temperature (1 hour above 90 F / 32 C) for anything perishable.
How to tell goat has gone bad
General signs for meat: fresh, the group USDA lists goat under.
- Sticky, tacky or slimy film on the surface
- Sour or ammonia-like smell instead of a mild, fresh one
- Grey-green colour throughout, not just where air touched it
- Torn or leaking packaging that let air or juices escape
- Texture that stays dented when pressed instead of springing back
More on meat: fresh. The times above are quality guidelines, not safety limits; food that shows these signs goes out regardless of the date.
How long do other meat: fresh last?
Source: USDA FSIS FoodKeeper dataset (public domain). How we decode the data.