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We’ve all been there. You head to your fridge to make your daily sandwich — grab the bread, the lettuce, the tomato, but wait — the deli meat you bought a little week ago is looking a little suspect. How can you tell if it’s still good to eat?
First, let’s define exactly what deli meat is. Sliced bologna, sausage, salami, pastrami, turkey, beef, and chicken are just a few general proteins classified as deli meats. There are a slew of different types of each meat — for example, roast beef or corned beef, pancetta, or prosciutto, etc. But we're talking about the classic packaged deli meats you pick up at stores here.
According to the USDA, you can store packaged lunch meats in the refrigerator for two weeks before opening it. If you open the package, you can keep deli meat in the refrigerator for three to five days (note: the refrigerator has to be 40 degrees Fahrenheit or less).
Now that we have the lowdown on how long you can keep the protein around, here are some other frequently asked questions about all things deli meat.
Can you freeze deli meat?
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Yes! If you opt for freezing the deli meat upon purchase, you can keep it in the freezer for one to two months for best quality. Per the USDA, frozen foods are safe indefinitely if kept at zero degrees Fahrenheit.
How can you tell if deli meat goes bad?
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Like most foods, the ‘smell test’ will do the trick. If the deli meat even smells slightly off or funky, toss it in the garbage. The USDA notes change in color, mold, or a new slimy or sticky film/texture as signs that the protein has gone bad. Always check the expiration date before consuming.
Can you eat deli meat when you're pregnant?
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According to the American Pregnancy Association, you should avoid deli meats until after pregnancy due to a risk of Listeria (a bacterial infection caused by contaminated food). If you do choose to eat deli meats while pregnant, it’s important to take precautions, such as cooking them until they are steaming to rid of possible bacteria.
How many hours can deli meat sit out?
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The USDA's rule of thumb is to not leave out perishable foods (AKA deli meat) at room temperature for longer than 2 hours. If the temperature in the room or outside is hotter than 90 degrees Fahrenheit, then you should only leave deli meat out for a maximum of one hour.
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