Air circulation inhibits their growth. Store loosely, but cover cut surfaces with plastic wrap to prevent excessive drying. Do not open Cryovac-wrapped meats until ready to use. Use as soon as possible. Fresh meats keep well for only 2 to 4 days.
Ground meats keep even less well, because so much surface area is exposed to bacteria.
Cured and smoked products may keep up to a week. Do not try to rescue meats that are going bad by freezing them. Freezing will not improve the quality of spoiling meat. Frozen meats 1. Wrap frozen meats well to prevent freezer burn.