A question i should probably know the answer to?!
A question i should probably know the answer to?
how long can you keep opened lunch meat before it goes bad? theres an expiration date of course, but ive heard not to go by that. so which is it?
Answers:
Depends, but here's some tips.
1) Keep in airtight container, not the original package with saran wrap.
2) Don't touch the meat you want to save with hands or mouth (ie pick up the whole wad and peel off what you want, or nibble some and return) this will add contaminants that will shorten the shelf life. Peel from the top is best way. I know this isn't always possible, but limit the handling as much as you can.
3) Keep refrigerated and expose to air as little as possible. Contaminants in the air will also shorten shelf life.
Follow those and I've kept for several weeks.
I say for alittle less then two weeks maybe
Not sure. I just smell it everytime I open it. It hasn't failed me yet. You can tell when it is bad.
Depends on the lunch meat, for fresh deli meat I wouldn't go past a week and a half, for prepackaged, two weeks. Generally the less preservatives the less I let it sit.
Three days and that's it.
if you got it from the deli, it usually lasts about a week. i assume the prepackaged stuff is the same. you can tell you're in trouble if there's an odor or if it starts getting a little ... slimy ... for lack of a better term. but the general rule is 7 days.
i worked in the meat industry for twenty some odd years so i know of what i speak. cold cuts can spoil rather fast after opening especially such items as bologna & other processed meats. however you can prolong the life by sealing them good with protectve wrappings such as plastic wrap or airtight containers, also always check to see if they're spoiled by smelling or if they are slimy & discolored. never take a chance with questionable freshness as you can become very ill or worse you could get food poisoning.
p/s. i would be glad to answer any other ?'s on the subject if i see them on this sight.