If you’re meal planning or just making extra food, you may be wondering how long your cooked sausage will stay good in the fridge. If you want to be safe, here are some things you should do in case something goes wrong.
Chicken sausage is a popular grocery store staple that can be used in everything from breakfast tacos to hearty pasta dishes. But like any fresh meat, chicken sausage has a limited shelf life. Knowing how to tell if your chicken sausage has gone bad can help you avoid foodborne illness.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about determining when your chicken sausage is no longer safe to eat. We’ll go over storage times, what to look for, when to throw it out, and how to prevent spoilage in the first place.
How Long Does Chicken Sausage Last?
The shelf life of chicken sausage depends on whether it is fresh or fully-cooked
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Fresh, raw chicken sausage will last 1-2 days beyond the sell by date if properly stored in the refrigerator. Freeze for maximum freshness.
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Pre-cooked chicken sausage lasts 3-4 days past the sell by date in the fridge. These sausages can be eaten cold right out of the package.
Always check the use by/sell by date on the packaging and cook or freeze the sausage by that date for optimal safety and quality.
Proper Storage for Chicken Sausage
To get the most life out of your chicken sausage:
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Store in the coldest part of the refrigerator, 40°F or below.
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Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or place in a resealable bag. Air exposure speeds spoilage.
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Don’t overload the fridge, as this slows cooling.
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Cooked sausage lasts longer than raw, but should still be eaten within 3-4 days.
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Freeze raw sausage if you won’t use it within 2 days It will keep for 2-3 months
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Once thawed, cook frozen sausage within 1-2 days. Do not refreeze.
Following these guidelines helps inhibit bacteria growth and keeps your chicken sausage fresher longer.
Signs Your Chicken Sausage Has Spoiled
Check your sausage for any of the following signs of spoilage:
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Sliminess. A sticky, tacky texture or mucus-like substance on the surface indicates bacterial growth. Discard immediately.
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Discoloration. If the sausage has turned grey, green, or brown, it has likely spoiled. Toss it.
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Off odor. Chicken sausage that smells sour, ammonia-like, or unpleasantly “off” should be thrown away.
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Mold. Any fuzzy or slimy mold spots mean the sausage should hit the trash. Don’t try to scrape it off.
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Weird texture. Sausage that’s dried out, feels slimy, or has an odd spongy texture is past its prime. Play it safe and discard it.
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Past the date. If the sell by or use by date has long passed, don’t take chances. When in doubt, throw it out.
As soon as you notice any of these signs, toss the chicken sausage in the garbage. Don’t taste questionable sausage to test it – bacteria can contaminate surfaces and make you sick.
How To Use Chicken Sausage Safely
Now that you know how to tell if chicken sausage has gone bad, here are some tips for handling and cooking it safely:
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Wash hands, utensils, and surfaces after working with raw sausage to avoid cross-contamination.
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Cook sausage to an internal temperature of 165°F as measured by a food thermometer. This kills any harmful bacteria.
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Don’t let sausage sit out for longer than 2 hours before cooking or serving. Bacteria multiply quickly at room temperature.
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When reheating cooked sausage, boil, grill or bake to 165°F. Microwaving may leave cold spots where bacteria can survive.
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Refrigerate any leftovers within 2 hours and use within 3-4 days. Divide into smaller portions to cool quickly.
Following basic food safety rules helps protect you and your family from potential illness. Take care when handling, cooking, and storing chicken sausage.
How To Prevent Chicken Sausage From Going Bad
You can minimize food waste and get the most out of your chicken sausage purchases by:
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Checking sell by dates and selecting the package with the furthest out date.
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Freezing extra packages if you won’t use them in time. Thaw in the refrigerator, never at room temp.
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Portioning bulk sausage into meal-size servings and freezing extras.
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Keeping your fridge below 40°F and discarding old leftovers regularly.
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Cooking sausage soon after purchase and refrigerating promptly after use.
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Monitoring leftovers and sausage in the fridge for signs of spoilage. Don’t risk eating anything questionable.
Being an attentive shopper and practicing good storage habits at home will ensure you always have fresh, tasty chicken sausage ready for your favorite recipes.
The Bottom Line
Chicken sausage, like any meat product, has a limited lifespan. Always check the use by date and store sausage properly in the fridge or freezer. If you notice an off smell, weird texture, or signs of spoilage, don’t mess around – throw it out. Following the safety tips above reduces your risk when cooking and eating chicken sausage.
Knowing what to look for and understanding proper sausage storage will keep you and your family safe. Trust your senses, pay attention to dates, and you can enjoy delicious chicken sausage worry-free.
How long does cooked sausage last in the fridge?
According to USDA guidelines, you should use most cooked leftovers within 3-4 days if it is properly stored. Pre-cooked sausage, like hot dogs, can stay fresh for up to 7 days if kept in a fridge that is at least 40 degrees F, or up to 2 months if frozen. Within one to two hours of cooking, food should be put in a shallow, airtight container and put in the fridge at room temperature.
FDA and USDA Guidelines
The USDA generally recommends consuming leftovers of any kind in 3-4 days on average. This will guarantee maximum freshness and is your safest bet for avoiding any potential side effects. Always check for signs of spoilage.
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FAQ
Do chicken sausages go bad?
How can I tell if sausage is bad?
What color should cooked chicken sausage be?
How do you know if a chicken sausage is bad?
In this case, if you notice that the chicken sausage is turning into gray color, then it’s time you dispose of it. The sausages will also have a sour and foul odor. In others, you will even smell the chicken meat which means that it is dry therefore not consumable.
How do you know if sausage is spoiled?
Here’s how to tell if sausage is spoiled—whether it’s raw or already cooked. When meat goes bad, you can usually tell by smelling it. Fresh raw meat, including sausage, doesn’t smell like much of anything. Other telltale signs of spoilage include a slimy texture, discoloration, or patches of white or blue mold. What Happens If You Eat Bad Sausage?
Do sausages smell bad?
Generally, meats shouldn’t have a smell, except if they’re marinated or seasoned with herbs. So, if your sausages smell bad, that means they’re spoiled. Sometimes, sausages won’t have a smell, but they’ll still be spoiled. In that case, you’ll see them turning green with clear patches of mold covering them.
How do you know if a sausage is cooked?
After cooking, the sausage loses its translucent quality and turns opaque. The color may range from ivory to dark pink to brown, depending on what type of meat it is. Any gray or green spots indicate that the meat has begun to spoil, as do patches of mold. Run your finger along the length of a sausage link to test the texture.