If an open packet of salami has been sitting in your fridge for almost a week, theres good reason to believe its time to throw it out.
There’s usually a few indications that your days-old deli meat is past its peak, but sometimes, there might not always be visible signs of spoilage.
Exactly how long does deli meat actually last, and what steps should you take to store it correctly? To understand the risks of consuming deli meat, we asked an expert to answer your FAQs.
Turkey lunch meat is a refrigerator staple in many households. It’s an easy, tasty protein to add to sandwiches, wraps, salads and more But like any perishable food, lunch meat has a limited shelf life Knowing the fridge life of turkey cold cuts will help you use it up before it goes bad.
I often get questions from readers about how long turkey lunch meat stays fresh Understanding storage times and signs of spoilage allows you to enjoy delicious turkey sandwiches without wasting food or risking foodborne illness. In this article, I’ll cover everything you need to know about maximizing the shelf life of turkey deli meat
Purchase Fresh Turkey Lunch Meat
The first step in keeping turkey lunch meat fresh is buying high-quality cold cuts. When shopping for pre-packaged sliced turkey, look for packages well within the sell-by or use-by date printed on the label. The turkey should have a bright color without any dull or dry looking spots.
For meat sliced fresh at the deli counter, choose slices with a vibrant color and no off odors. Ask the staff when the turkey was sliced to confirm it’s freshly prepared that day. Avoid any lunch meat with torn packaging or that looks or feels slimy or sticky.
Follow Proper Storage Temperatures
Once home, immediately refrigerate turkey lunch meat. Cold temperatures are critical for slowing bacteria growth and keeping it fresh. Your refrigerator should maintain a consistent temperature of 40°F or below. Use a refrigerator thermometer to monitor the temperature inside.
Place turkey cold cuts on a shelf toward the back of the fridge, which tends to be the coldest spot. Never leave deli meat out at room temperature for more than two hours. One hour or less is ideal. Leaving sliced turkey out too long gives bacteria a chance to multiply quickly.
Use Proper Packaging
For pre-packaged turkey, leaving it in the original packaging helps maintain freshness Make sure to reseal the package tightly after each use For meat sliced at the deli, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, wax paper or parchment before storing in the fridge.
Write the date sliced on the packaging so you know how old it is. Trapped air can decrease shelf life, so press out any extra air before sealing deli turkey. A reusable container with an airtight lid also works for storage.
Watch For Signs Of Spoilage
Even when properly stored, turkey lunch meat will eventually show signs of spoiling. Look for changes in color, texture and smell. Dullness, sliminess or dry spots indicate the turkey is past its prime. Off odors, like sour or yeasty smells, mean it’s time to toss it.
Discard any turkey with mold immediately, even if just on one slice. Don’t taste meat you suspect may be spoiled. Look at all surfaces, including those touching packaging, when checking for freshness. Follow your instincts – if it seems off, throw it out.
Follow “First In, First Out”
Use a first in, first out system to ensure you eat turkey lunch meat while it’s freshest. Place newly purchased packages behind older ones so the meat closer to expiring gets used first. At the deli counter, take freshly sliced meat from the top layers instead of the bottom.
Know When To Toss It
Be diligent and toss turkey lunch meat that shows any signs of spoilage, even if it hasn’t reached the 3-5 day mark. The USDA recommends discarding refrigerated lunch meat if left open for more than 3-5 days. Don’t take risks with foodborne illness – when in doubt, throw it out.
How Long Does Turkey Lunch Meat Last In The Fridge?
So how long is turkey lunch meat safe to eat when stored in the refrigerator? Here are the general guidelines to follow:
- Unopened lunch meat – Up to 2-3 weeks
- Opened packaged turkey – 3-5 days
- Fresh sliced turkey – 3-5 days
These time frames assume proper storage at 40°F or below the entire time. The colder your fridge temp, the longer the turkey will stay fresh. Remember that signs of spoilage mean it should be discarded, even if within these limits.
Does Freezing Extend Turkey Lunch Meat’s Shelf Life?
Freezing is a good option if you can’t use up turkey lunch meat fast enough. According to USDA recommendations, here are the time limits for frozen turkey deli meat:
- Unopened packages – 1-2 months
- Opened packaged turkey – 2 weeks
- Fresh sliced turkey – 2 weeks
For best quality, use frozen turkey lunch meat soon after thawing in the refrigerator. Freezing stops bacteria growth temporarily but doesn’t destroy toxins. Handle thawed turkey as you would fresh and use quickly.
What About Fermented Or Cured Turkey?
Fermented and cured turkey deli meats, like pepperoni and salami, typically last longer than other turkey cold cuts. The USDA states unopened cured meats can be kept almost indefinitely in the fridge due to the acidic environment. But it’s still best to use these types of turkey lunch meats within 2-3 weeks for optimal freshness and taste.
Should You Pay Attention To Sell-By Dates?
You’ll notice sell-by and use-by dates on packaged turkey lunch meat. But don’t rely on these dates to know whether the turkey is still good. They indicate peak freshness, not safety. Your eyes, nose and common sense are better indicators of when turkey deli meat has spoiled. Look for changes in appearance, texture and smell instead.
Can You Freeze Leftover Turkey Sandwiches?
Many times you can’t finish all your sliced turkey before it goes bad. So can you safely freeze leftover turkey sandwiches? The answer is yes. Just wrap the sandwiches tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place in a freezer bag. They’ll keep for 2-3 months frozen. Thaw in the refrigerator before eating.
Freezing gives you an easy way to save turkey sandwiches for lunches later on. Just be sure to consume within 3-5 days after thawing, and don’t refreeze thawed sandwiches.
How To Prevent Turkey Lunch Meat From Spoiling Quickly
Follow these tips to help turkey lunch meat stay fresh as long as possible:
- Buy high-quality, fresh deli meat
- Refrigerate immediately at 40°F or below
- Keep in original packaging or airtight containers
- Wrap tightly without air pockets
- Use oldest meat first
- Check frequently for spoilage signs
- Discard after 3-5 days opened
Proper storage conditions, temperature control and monitoring for signs of spoilage are the keys to maximizing the shelf life of turkey lunch meat. Now you know how long turkey stays good when stored in the refrigerator or freezer. With these fridge life guidelines, you can enjoy delicious turkey sandwiches and prevent waste.
How can I tell if deli meat has gone bad?
Theres a few telltale signs that may indicate it’s time to discard an open packet of deli meat. Do not consume the meat if you notice any suspicious changes to its smell or appearance. For example, you should discard the meat if it is emanating an unpleasant smell, if a viscous, sticky film appears on it, or if there is mold growth, Seveau says.
However, it is important to note that there won’t always be visible indications of bacterial growth on deli meat. Listeria growth, for example, often does not have any smell, Seveau says.
For this reason, always be sure to discard deli meat that has been open for more than five days, per USDA recommendations. Additionally, discard the meat if it is past the expiration date, Seveau says.
How long is deli meat good for?
Official recommendations say deli-sliced or store-prepared lunch meat should be consumed within three to five days, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Additionally, any opened vacuum-packets of sliced lunch meat should be consumed within three to five days. Unopened packets should be consumed within two weeks, the USDA recommends.
These recommendations run on the contingency that you’ve taken the steps to ensure the safe storage of deli meat. “What is critical is how the deli meat is conserved,” says Dr. Stephanie Seveau, PhD, a professor of microbial infection and immunity at The Ohio State University School of Medicine. Deli meat should be refrigerated at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below, according to the USDA.
After you’ve purchased any type of sliced lunch meat, be sure to refrigerate it immediately once you get home. If the deli meat is left out for a few hours “at a temperature that favors bacterial growth,” there will be risks to consuming it, Seveau says.
Don’t Waste it! Deli Meat – How long does it really last
FAQ
Is deli turkey good after 7 days?
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3-5 days after opening:This is the recommended timeframe for eating deli turkey once the package is opened.
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Unopened package:If the deli turkey is still in its unopened package, it may last up to 2 weeks in the fridge.
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Signs of spoilage:If the turkey develops an off odor, slimy texture, or discoloration, discard it immediately.
Can I eat deli turkey after 10 days?
For this reason, always be sure to discard deli meat that has been open for more than five days, per USDA recommendations. Additionally, discard the meat if it is past the expiration date, Seveau says.
How long is sliced deli turkey good in the fridge?
- Has changed color to a pale gray, brown, or yellow
- Has mold
- Smells sour or vinegar-y
- Has a slimy, sticky film
- Has parts that feel very hard
How long is boar’s head deli meat good after the sell-by date?
“If a food item is stored properly, it can often still be used or eaten after its expiration date.” She recommends eating deli meat within three to five days from opening the package, and unopened packages within two weeks.
How long does frozen turkey lunch meat last?
Frozen, unopened turkey lunch meat packages last 1-2 months. Opened packages and deli-sliced meats should get used within 2 weeks frozen. To freeze, rewrap meat tightly in plastic wrap or place inside freezer bags with all air pressed out. Defrost turkey lunch meat overnight in the fridge before using to preserve quality.
How long does turkey deli meat last?
Cook turkey lunch meat to 165°F if reheating. Following safe food handling and storage methods helps prevent foodborne illness from turkey deli meats. When properly stored, unopened packaged turkey lunch meat lasts 2 weeks past the sell-by date and opened packages or deli meats last 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator.
How long do Turkey cold cuts last in the fridge?
Turkey cold cuts, whether pre-packaged or freshly sliced, can last for about 2-3 weeks in the refrigerator if unopened. Once opened, they should be consumed within 3-5 days. I’ve been there, you’ve been there – staring at a package of lunch meat in the fridge, wondering, “How long is lunch meat good for?”
Does turkey deli meat need to be refrigerated?
The exact answer to that question depends to a large extent on storage conditions – keep packaged turkey deli meat (also known as lunch meat, luncheon meat or cold cuts) refrigerated at all times. How long does an unopened package of turkey deli meat last after the ? sell-by date or ? best before date on the package?
Can Turkey lunch meat be refrigerated?
Discard any turkey lunch meat that has gone past 3-5 days refrigerated after opening or purchasing. Even when properly stored in the fridge, turkey lunch meat eventually will show signs of spoiling. Look for changes in color, texture, and smell that indicate the meat is no longer fresh.
How do you store Turkey lunch meat?
Practice food safety when handling turkey lunch meats: Follow “use-by” dates on packaged turkey lunch meat. Discard deli-sliced turkey after 3 to 5 days. Keep unopened packages refrigerated. Avoid letting sit out of the fridge over 2 hours. Always wash hands before handling lunch meats. Use clean utensils and containers for storing.