You probably have lunch meat in your refrigerator right now. Its a household staple for a reason. Cold cuts are tools of convenience, the key to following a delicious club sandwich recipe or Italian sub recipe. Many of us eat cold cuts on an almost daily basis. Unfortunately, deli meat is also one of the most common sources of food poisoning. Advertisement
With how frequently we eat lunch meat, it seems like the kind of thing you ought to buy in bulk, so you can fuel yourself through a week of lunches at the least. It turns out that a week is pretty much the longest you can keep deli meat after opening it. USDA recommendations say that you can keep lunch meat in the refrigerator for three to five days after opening the package.
While thats a good baseline to set, its difficult to give a firm limit on how long lunch meat lasts. It really depends on the type of meat and how it was originally packaged. Fermented and dried meats, such as salami, soppressata, and prosciutto, last longer than other meats, up to three weeks, according to the USDA. Freshly sliced deli meats also spoil more rapidly than packaged ones. Of course, all of these meats are likely to come with an expiration date but those can only tell you so much. Advertisement
Deli sliced turkey can be a quick and easy protein to keep on hand for sandwiches, wraps, salads and more. But exactly how long does opened packaged deli turkey stay fresh in the refrigerator? What about freshly sliced deli meat from the supermarket counter?
Understanding how to store deli turkey correctly along with signs of spoilage will help you enjoy this versatile ingredient while minimizing waste and avoiding possible foodborne illness Read on for tips on maximizing the shelf life of different types of deli turkey
Different Types of Deli Turkey
There are a few main options when it comes to purchasing deli turkey
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Pre-packaged sliced turkey: This type comes ready-to-eat in plastic packaging. Brands include Boar’s Head, Hillshire Farm, and more.
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Fresh deli counter turkey: You can ask for turkey slices cut fresh on-demand right at the supermarket deli counter.
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Whole deli turkey: Some stores sell entire turkey breasts or whole turkeys cooked and ready to slice at home.
The storage timelines will vary slightly depending on the type of deli turkey.
How Long Does Pre-Packaged Deli Turkey Last?
Unopened packages of pre-sliced deli turkey can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 weeks past the printed “sell by” date on the label.
Once opened, the clock starts ticking faster on freshness. An opened package of deli turkey lunch meat will last about 5-7 days in the fridge.
To maximize the shelf life after opening, be sure to promptly remove any slices you will use and tightly reseal the package. Limiting air exposure prevents drying out.
Also, store open packages of deli turkey toward the back of the refrigerator, away from the door where temperatures fluctuate. The ideal storage temperature for deli meats is 35-40°F.
Fresh Deli Counter Turkey Shelf Life
The shelf life of turkey sliced fresh at the supermarket deli counter is similar to pre-packaged lunchmeat. You can expect freshly sliced deli turkey to last 3-5 days in the refrigerator.
Be sure to use a zip-top bag or airtight container to store refrigerated fresh-cut deli turkey. As with any perishable food, it’s important to minimize exposure to oxygen, light, and warmer temperatures.
Ask the deli worker for the sell-by date when purchasing freshly sliced turkey so you know when the recommended shelf life ends.
How Long Does a Whole Deli Turkey Last After Slicing?
If you purchase a full deli turkey breast or other uncooked whole turkey from the deli counter, you’ll have a bit more leeway after slicing it yourself at home.
An unopened whole cooked deli turkey will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 2 weeks past the sell-by date. Once sliced, it should last about 7 days stored properly in the refrigerator.
Be sure to carve off only what you plan to immediately eat and keep the rest of the intact turkey breast or whole bird tightly wrapped until your next sandwich.
Freezing Deli Turkey to Extend Shelf Life
Freezing is an excellent way to extend the shelf life of deli turkey far beyond the usual 5-7 days. Simply slice off portions, seal tightly in freezer bags or airtight containers, label and freeze.
Frozen deli turkey will easily keep for 2-3 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Avoid refreezing thawed deli turkey. For best quality and food safety, only freeze once.
Signs Deli Turkey Has Gone Bad
Relying on sight, smell and texture are the best ways to determine if deli turkey has spoiled and needs to be discarded:
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Slimy texture – Fresh sliced turkey has a smooth, moist texture. Discard if slimy.
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Off odor – Deli meat past its prime gives off a rancid, sour or ammonia-like smell.
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Color changes – Look for turkey turning grayish, greenish or brownish.
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Mold – Toss out deli turkey at first signs of fuzzy mold spots. Don’t just scrape it off.
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Expired sell-by date – Pay attention to sell-by dates and don’t eat deli turkey that’s passed its recommended shelf life.
When in doubt, remember the old adage – “When in doubt, throw it out.” Don’t risk getting sick from spoiled deli meat.
Food Safety Tips for Deli Turkey
To safely enjoy deli turkey, be sure to:
- Refrigerate promptly after purchase. Don’t leave sitting out more than 2 hours.
- Check sell-by dates and don’t purchase or eat expired turkey.
- Store open packages tightly sealed and toward the back of the fridge.
- Monitor refrigerated turkey for signs of spoilage. When it doubt, toss it out.
- Discard any turkey that has been left out more than 2 hours.
- Avoid cross-contaminating turkey juices with ready-to-eat foods.
- Wash hands and surfaces after handling raw poultry.
Enjoy Deli Turkey Safely Within Recommended Timelines
Deli sliced turkey makes an easy and versatile addition to meals when you follow proper storage and food safety practices. Pre-packaged and freshly sliced deli turkey both last about 5-7 days in the refrigerator after opening or slicing.
For maximum shelf life, freeze portions immediately if you won’t use within the recommended timeline. And be sure to rely on your senses to check for signs of spoilage before enjoying deli turkey. Following these simple guidelines will allow you to safely savor the convenience of deli meats.
Expiration dates can be misleading
We tend to put a lot of faith in expiration dates to save us from the risk of food poisoning. Unfortunately, though, they arent as reliable as you think they are. There are no government regulations regarding food expiration dates, so each manufacturer is free to set their own guidelines. Without guidelines and resources to clearly explain expiration dates, most of us have come to believe something totally untrue. You probably think that the expiration date on your lunch meat signifies when it will go bad, but thats not really the case. Advertisement
Whether the date on your food says “best by,” “sell by,” or “use by,” it isnt really about the products shelf life. Those dates are merely an estimate of when the food will be at peak quality. When the expiration date passes, the food doesnt go bad right away. It stays edible for a few more days. Expiration labels and USDA guidelines err on the side of caution, which is generally a good thing. Among the ways to reduce food waste is knowing when your lunchmeat actually becomes unsafe to eat. though. The best way to determine when lunch meat has gone bad is to use your own judgment.
How to tell when lunch meat has gone bad
The USDAs three-to-five-days rule is a good guideline to start with but dont assume you need to pitch your meat on the sixth day. As previously mentioned, different types of meat have different shelf lives. As that five-day period comes to a close, give your lunch meat a close inspection. Your senses can tell you if its actually going bad. Advertisement
The visual cues of spoilage are pretty obvious. If you see any trace of mold or discoloration, dont eat that meat. However, you shouldnt worry about any rainbow spots you might see. While it may be a little off-putting, its perfectly normal to see these. If rainbows are the only thing you see on the meat (and it passes the next couple of tests), its safe to eat.
If the lunch meat looks okay, its time to move on to the smell test. Sour or yeasty odors are a sure sign of spoilage. A good tip is to take a whiff of the meat as soon as you open the package, so you know what it smells like fresh. Once that aroma changes, its time to get rid of the meat. Lastly, use touch to check for spoilage. As lunch meat goes bad, it becomes slimy, so you feel a wet surface, youre best off throwing the meat in the green waste (and washing your hands, of course). Advertisement
Don’t Waste it! Deli Meat – How long does it really last
FAQ
Is deli turkey good after 7 days?
Can I eat 5 day old deli turkey?
How long does Boar’s Head sliced turkey last in fridge?
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