How long can steak stay in the fridge?

According to the United States Department of Agriculture, raw beef steak stays fresh in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days. The temperature of the fridge should be no higher than 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

A cold refrigerator slows down the growth of bacteria. However, it does not stop the development of the organisms indefinitely. The growth of bacteria in food can sometimes cause food poisoning. Ground beef should be used or frozen within 1 to 2 days. Once steak or other meat has been cooked, it is safe to refrigerate for another 3 to 4 days. Uncooked steak is safe in the freezer for 6 to 12 months, but ground beef lasts only 3 to 4 months.