Pork tenderloin is a lean, tender cut of meat from the loin of the pig. It is versatile, quick-cooking, and a healthy source of protein. However, like all meat, pork tenderloin is perishable and can go bad if not stored properly. The good news is that pork tenderloin freezes exceptionally well. Freezing stops bacteria growth that causes spoilage and can keep pork tenderloin safe to eat for many months.
How long does frozen pork tenderloin last?
Frozen pork tenderloin that is kept continuously frozen at 0°F or below will be safe to consume indefinitely. However, frozen meat will slowly deteriorate in quality over time. For best quality, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends using frozen pork within the following time frames:
- Raw pork tenderloin: 4-6 months
- Cooked pork tenderloin: 2-3 months
Frozen pork that is kept at constant 0°F and packaged correctly should retain good quality and flavor for 6-12 months before noticeable dryness or freezer burn occurs. It will remain safe to eat indefinitely, but the texture and moisture content will degrade over time.
Does frozen pork tenderloin expire?
Technically, frozen pork does not expire in terms of safety. As long as the pork has been stored continuously at 0°F or below, it should not pose any food poisoning risk, even years past the printed expiration date on the packaging. The expiration dates on frozen pork are more related to quality than safety.
However, if the frozen pork was not stored properly and underwent some thawing or temperature fluctuations, bacteria could have grown, causing spoilage and potential foodborne illness. Look for signs of freezer burn, changes in color, or an off odor before consuming very old frozen pork.
How to tell if frozen pork tenderloin has gone bad
Here are some ways to check your frozen pork tenderloin for freshness and signs of spoilage:
- Look – Good frozen pork should be solidly frozen with no signs of freezer burn or ice crystals. It should have no discoloration or grayish tones.
- Smell – Fresh frozen pork has a mild meaty smell. Rancid, sour, or very strong odors indicate spoilage.
- Texture – When thawed, the meat should be firm and moist with no stickiness or sliminess.
- Color – Raw pork is light pink. Green, blue, or gray hues indicate spoilage.
- Expiration date – If frozen pork is well past the printed use by/freeze by date, be extra vigilant about indicators of spoilage.
- Temperature – Pork that has partially thawed then refrozen may be unsafe.
If there are no obvious signs of spoilage, frozen pork that has been properly stored should be safe to cook and eat.
How long can thawed pork tenderloin last in the fridge?
Once thawed, raw pork tenderloin can be kept refrigerated for 3 to 5 days before cooking. Here are some general guidelines for thawed pork storage:
- Refrigerator (40°F or below) – 3 to 5 days
- Freezer (0°F or below) – Re-freeze immediately for up to 4-6 months
Keep thawed pork tenderloin on a plate or bowl on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator to prevent juices from dripping on other foods. Use within 3 days for the highest quality, monitoring closely for sliminess, stickiness, or off-putting odors.
Can you refreeze thawed pork?
Yes, it is safe to refreeze thawed pork tenderloin if it was handled properly during thawing. Refreezing thawed pork can impact the moisture content and texture, but it will remain safe to eat.
Guidelines for refreezing thawed pork tenderloin:
- Only refreeze pork that was thawed in the refrigerator, never at room temperature.
- Refreeze right away, within 1-2 days max after thawing.
- Mark the package with “previously frozen” and the new freeze date.
- Use within 3-4 months for best quality.
Avoid refreezing pork more than once, as the texture will degrade. Cook refrozen pork thoroughly to at least 145°F internal temperature before eating.
How to store frozen pork tenderloin
To get the longest shelf life and best quality from frozen pork tenderloin, follow these storage tips:
- Use fresh pork, chilled to 40°F or below before freezing.
- Freeze in air-tight packaging like freezer bags, vacuum seal, or plastic wrap.
- Portion into sizes for 1-2 servings for easy thawing.
- Avoid overstuffing the freezer, as this slows airflow.
- Store at 0°F or below. Do not allow fluctuations in temperature if possible.
- Once thawed, use within 3-5 days.
- Either cook thawed pork immediately or refreeze right away.
Can you freeze previously frozen pork tenderloin?
It is safe to freeze pork tenderloin that was previously frozen, as long as it was thawed properly in the refrigerator. However, the texture quality will decline with each additional freeze-thaw cycle.
To freeze thawed pork tenderloin again:
- Make sure the pork was thawed safely in the fridge, not at room temperature
- Check for signs of spoilage like stickiness, odor, or slime
- Rewrap the pork securely in freezer bags or plastic wrap
- Freeze at 0°F right away
- Use within 2-3 months for best quality
Avoid refreezing thawed pork tenderloin more than once, as the texture will become mushy. Cook refrozen pork thoroughly to 165°F before eating.
What happens if you eat bad pork?
Eating spoiled, undercooked, or contaminated pork can cause foodborne illness. The main risks are:
- Salmonella – Causes diarrhea, fever, cramping
- E. Coli – Can lead to kidney failure and hemolytic uremic syndrome
- Listeria – Flu-like symptoms and pregnancy complications
- Trichinosis – Muscle larvae causing diarrhea, fatigue, facial swelling
Symptoms of food poisoning from pork range from stomach upset to neurological damage and organ failure in severe cases. Seek medical care if you experience vomiting, severe diarrhea, high fever, or other concerning symptoms after eating pork.
Conclusion
Pork tenderloin is very freezer-friendly. Properly frozen pork tenderloin remains safe to eat indefinitely, though the quality slowly declines over time. For best flavor and texture, use frozen pork tenderloin within 4-12 months. Check for freezer burn, odor changes, or slime before cooking. Store at 0°F consistently for longest shelf life. Thaw in the refrigerator before cooking and refreeze promptly if not using thawed pork right away. While spoiled pork poses health risks if eaten, frozen pork that has been continuously frozen should not make you sick if cooked thoroughly before eating.