How Long Is Lunch Meat Good For After Opening The Packaging?

Unless you eat sandwiches daily, there's a good chance you have an opened package of lunch meat sitting in the fridge. But is it still good to eat? According to the USDA, unsealed cold cuts can be kept for 3 to 5 days. If the container hasn't been opened, then it's good for up to 2 weeks. For longer-term storage, you can place the lunch meat in a freezer-safe bag (double wrapping is a good idea to ward off freezer odors) and place it in the freezer for up to 2 months. 

However, those general guidelines are not applicable to every type of deli meat. Items like soppressata, salami, and prosciutto may be kept for up to three weeks in the fridge, largely because the preservatives in the meat extend their life. Cold cuts that have been freshly sliced at the counter tend to spoil more quickly, hence the extra caution.

Your first thought might be to simply check the expiration date on the package, but that gets a bit tricky. The reliability of that number differs depending on the wording and the manufacturer's intention. Sometimes the date is more to help grocers know when to pull the product from shelves. At home, you're better off using both your senses and a bit of common sense to tell if lunch meat is still safe to consume.

The most obvious sign that your cold cuts should be tossed is a change in color. If your favorite bologna looks a little yellow, brown, or gray, definitely don't eat it. Spots of discoloration could also indicate mold, which you very definitely don't want to consume.

While you're at it, take a sniff of the lunch meat. Do you catch a whiff of vinegar, ammonia, or any other sour or otherwise odd odors? That's a definite clue that your cold cut is no longer fit for consumption.

The final step involves touching the meat, or at least taking a close look. Indications of spoilage include a slimy or sticky film. Any oddly dry bits or hard spots on the meat are another hint to play it safe and toss it in the garbage.