Is Ham Safe to Eat After the Use By Date?

Ham is a popular deli meat that’s enjoyed in sandwiches, with eggs, in casseroles, and on holiday tables. It’s cured and fully cooked, giving it a longer shelf life than many meats. But with any food, it’s normal to wonder – is it still okay to eat after the use by date has passed?

The short answer is that ham can be safely eaten for a period after the use by date, as long as it was properly stored. However, the quality and flavor will start to decline after the use by date has passed. Here’s a more in-depth look at how to tell if ham is still good and safe to eat.

Understanding Ham Use By Dates

Ham, like most meat products, will have a use by date printed on the packaging. This date is the manufacturer’s recommendation for when the ham should be used or discarded by for best quality.

It’s important to note that the use by date is not an expiration date or safety date. Ham can still be consumed past this date, as long as it was handled and stored properly.

There are a few other date labels you may see on ham

• Sell by date – this tells retailers when to remove the product from shelves. You can still store and use ham for a period after the sell by date.

• Packed on date – indicates when the product was packaged. This doesn’t tell you anything about shelf life.

• Best by date – recommends when the product will be at peak quality but doesn’t indicate spoilage or safety.

How Long After the Use By Date is Ham Still Good?

An unopened, properly stored ham will typically last 1-2 weeks past the use by date printed on the packaging. An opened ham stored in the fridge can be eaten for an additional 3-5 days past the use by date.

Here are some general guidelines for ham freshness after the use by date:

• Vacuum-sealed whole ham: 1-2 weeks past use by date
• Sliced deli ham: 3-5 days past use by date
• Spiral sliced ham: 3-5 days past use by date
• Canned ham: 3-5 days past use by date

Keep in mind that these timeframes assume proper storage at 40°F or below. The fridge prevents spoilage bacteria from growing.

Frozen ham that has been maintained at a steady 0°F can be eaten for up to 1-2 months past the marked use by date. Freeze ham in air-tight packaging to prevent freezer burn.

How to Know if Ham is Bad After the Use By Date

Because the use by date is not a definite expiration date, you’ll need to rely on your senses and proper food handling practices to determine if ham has spoiled and is unsafe to eat. Here are signs that ham has gone bad and should be discarded:

• Slimy or sticky texture
• Greyish color
• Dull or slimy appearance
• Off or sour odor
• Mold growth
• Dry, cracked edges on sliced deli ham

Ham that is growing harmful bacteria may exhibit no obvious signs, which is why it’s important to discard ham 1-2 weeks after the use by date as a precaution. Don’t taste ham if you suspect it may be spoiled.

Proper Handling to Maximize Ham Freshness

To get the most shelf life and use from your ham, proper storage is key. Here are some tips:

• Refrigerate ham at 40°F or below immediately after purchase. Use within 1 week of the sell by date.

• Freeze ham if you won’t use it within 5-7 days. This slows bacteria growth.

• When freezing ham, wrap tightly in plastic wrap or place in airtight containers. This prevents freezer burn.

• Once thawed, consume ham within 3-5 days. Do not refreeze.

• Store ham on the lower shelves of the refrigerator, away from fresh produce which can cause premature spoilage.

• Avoid cross-contaminating ham with raw meat juices, which can spread bacteria.

• Discard ham if left out at room temperature for longer than 2 hours.

Following safe food handling and storage methods like these will help ensure ham lasts as long as possible after the use by date. Trust your nose and eyes to make the final call on safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you eat 2 week old ham?

An unopened ham can be safely eaten up to 2 weeks after the use by date if it has been continuously refrigerated at 40°F or below. The flavor quality may start to decline, but it should not pose any safety issues if properly handled.

Can you get food poisoning from expired ham?

It’s unlikely when stored properly, but possible. Ham can potentially grow Listeria, Salmonella and other bacteria after the use by date that can cause illness when consumed. Taking proper storage precautions like refrigeration can prevent this.

How can you tell if deli ham is bad?

Signs that sliced deli ham has spoiled and may contain unsafe bacteria include sliminess, dull or slimy appearance, grayish color, odor and mold. Discard ham immediately if any of these signs are present.

Is it OK to eat ham that smells a little off?

No. An off or sour odor in ham indicates spoilage. Do not taste or consume ham if you detect any unpleasant or “off” odors. This is a sign that bacteria may be present. Play it safe and discard it.

Can ham go bad in the freezer?

Ham stored constantly at 0°F in the freezer will remain safe indefinitely, but the quality will slowly decline over time. Portion ham for the freezer into airtight packaging and limit freezer time to 3-6 months for best flavor and texture.

The Bottom Line

Ham can be safely eaten for 1-2 weeks past the printed use by date, provided it has been properly stored at 40°F or below and shows no signs of spoilage. The flavor and texture will slowly diminish over time, but refrigerated ham poses no safety risk if consumed within 1-2 weeks after the use by date.

Rely on your senses – if it smells bad, looks slimy or has mold, err on the side of caution and throw it out. Following proper storage methods and food safety practices is the best way to maximize freshness and shelf life of ham. But once the use by date has passed, inspect carefully before consuming to ensure quality and safety.