How Long Does Turkey Lunch Meat Last in the Fridge?

If an open packet of salami has been sitting in your fridge for almost a week, theres good reason to believe its time to throw it out.

There’s usually a few indications that your days-old deli meat is past its peak, but sometimes, there might not always be visible signs of spoilage.

Exactly how long does deli meat actually last, and what steps should you take to store it correctly? To understand the risks of consuming deli meat, we asked an expert to answer your FAQs.

Turkey lunch meat is a refrigerator staple for many people. It’s tasty, easy to use, and makes a quick protein-packed snack or meal. But with its convenience comes a relatively short shelf life. Knowing how to properly store turkey lunch meat is key to enjoying it while it’s fresh.

I often get questions from readers about just how long turkey lunch meat lasts in the fridge. The answer depends on a few factors which I’ll explore in this article. My goal is to provide tips to maximize turkey lunch meat’s shelf life so you can reduce food waste.

Purchase High-Quality Turkey Lunch Meat

The first step starts at the store. Choose packages of pre-sliced turkey lunch meat that are well within the expiration date printed on the label. If buying meat sliced fresh at the deli counter select turkey slices that look moist with a bright color. Avoid any meat with dry or dull looking areas.

Turkey lunch meat shouldn’t have an off or sour odor Ask the staff when the turkey was sliced to ensure it’s freshly prepared that day Also inspect the packaging; avoid torn areas that could allow bacteria in.

Proper Refrigeration Is Critical

Once home, immediately place turkey lunch meat in the refrigerator. Cold temperatures are vital for slowing bacteria growth. Set your refrigerator to 40°F or below. I recommend keeping an appliance thermometer inside to monitor the temperature.

Position the lunch meat on a shelf toward the back of the fridge since this area tends to be coldest. Never leave turkey lunch meat out at room temperature for more than two hours. The ideal time frame is less than one hour.

Use Proper Packaging

For pre-packaged turkey, it’s best to leave it in the original packaging. These materials are designed to extend shelf life. Simply reseal the packages tightly after each use.

For deli-sliced meats, wrap the slices tightly in plastic wrap, wax paper, or parchment before refrigerating. Make sure no air is trapped inside. You can also use reusable containers with airtight lids. I like to write the slice date on deli meats to track freshness.

Watch For Signs Of Spoilage

Even when stored properly, turkey lunch meat can spoil. Signs include changes in color, texture, and smell. Discoloration, sliminess, dryness, or dullness mean it’s spoiled. Off odors like sourness or ammonia are also red flags. Discard turkey lunch meat immediately if you see any mold.

When checking for freshness, inspect all surfaces including the underside touching packaging. Don’t risk tasting meat you think may be bad.

Use “First In, First Out” Method

Using meat in the order it was purchased helps ensure you eat it at peak freshness. Place newly bought packages behind older ones. That way meat closer to expiring gets used first.

For deli-sliced meats, ask for the slices to be placed on paper before wrapping. When ready to eat, grab slices from the top layer first. Rotate stock using the oldest turkey first.

Know When to Toss It

The shelf life of turkey lunch meat depends on proper storage. In general, it will last 3-5 days after opening. For safety, discard any turkey lunch meat that shows signs of spoilage or has been open over 5 days. Don’t risk eating spoiled meat.

While these tips help maximize freshness, turkey lunch meat eventually goes bad. Don’t let it go to waste sitting forgotten in your fridge! Follow proper food safety and use turkey lunch meat while it’s still fresh and delicious.

Storing and Freezing Turkey Lunch Meat

When it comes to maximizing how long turkey lunch meat lasts, proper storage is key. Here are some of my top tips:

Keep turkey lunch meat cold – Refrigerate at 40°F or below as soon as possible after purchasing. Never leave sitting out for over 2 hours.
Use original packaging – Pre-packaged turkey lunch meat keeps best in its original packaging. Reseal after each use.
Wrap deli-sliced meat – For meat sliced at the deli, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, wax paper, or parchment before refrigerating.

Monitor temperature – Use a refrigerator thermometer to ensure your fridge stays cold enough.
Watch for spoilage – Discard turkey lunch meat if you notice changes in color, texture, or smell.
Freeze for longer storage – Freeze turkey lunch meat for 1-2 months max to extend shelf life.

Thaw properly – Thaw frozen turkey lunch meat overnight in the refrigerator before using.

Many factors impact how long turkey lunch meat stays fresh in the fridge, including:

Type of packaging – Unopened, pre-packaged lunch meat lasts around 2-3 weeks. Once opened, use within 3-5 days.
Deli-sliced – Fresh deli-sliced turkey lunch meat also lasts just 3-5 days in the fridge.
Ingredients – Lunch meats with preservatives tend to last a bit longer than fresh sliced meats.

Storage method – Properly stored in the back of the fridge extends shelf life.
Freezing – Freezing extends shelf life of turkey lunch meat up to 2-3 months.
Signs of spoilage – Discard any turkey lunch meat that shows signs of spoilage no matter how long it’s been in fridge.

So in general, I recommend using pre-packaged turkey lunch meat within 2 weeks and deli-sliced within 3-5 days. Monitor closely for any spoilage after these time frames.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions about how long turkey lunch meat lasts? Here are some common questions I get:

How can you tell if turkey lunch meat has gone bad?

Look for changes in color, texture, and smell. Sliminess, dullness, ammonia odor, or slimy film means toss it. Any mold at all also means throw it out immediately.

Can you freeze an opened package of turkey lunch meat?

Yes, freezing extends the shelf life. Wrap opened packages tightly in plastic wrap or freezer bags before freezing. Use within 2 weeks for best quality.

What happens if you eat turkey lunch meat that’s spoiled?

Eating spoiled lunch meat can cause foodborne illness. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and diarrhea. Don’t risk it if you suspect spoilage.

How should you thaw frozen turkey lunch meat?

The safest way is to thaw turkey lunch meat overnight in the refrigerator. You can also use the defrost setting on the microwave. Avoid thawing at room temperature.

Can you refreeze thawed turkey lunch meat?

It’s best not to refreeze thawed turkey lunch meat. Refreezing can impact the quality and taste. Use within 3-5 days after thawing in the fridge.

Should you rinse turkey lunch meat before eating?

Washing turkey lunch meat is not recommended. This can allow bacteria to spread to surfaces and utensils. Cold turkey is ready to eat straight from the package.

The Bottom Line

Getting the most out of your turkey lunch meat comes down to proper storage, monitoring for spoilage, and using it while it’s fresh. With an understanding of how long turkey lunch meat lasts in the fridge, you can stock up on tasty turkey for sandwiches without worry. Just be diligent and use it within 3-5 days of opening for safety and peak freshness.

how long does turkey lunch meat last in the fridge

How long is deli meat good for?

Official recommendations say deli-sliced or store-prepared lunch meat should be consumed within three to five days, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Additionally, any opened vacuum-packets of sliced lunch meat should be consumed within three to five days. Unopened packets should be consumed within two weeks, the USDA recommends.

These recommendations run on the contingency that you’ve taken the steps to ensure the safe storage of deli meat. “What is critical is how the deli meat is conserved,” says Dr. Stephanie Seveau, PhD, a professor of microbial infection and immunity at The Ohio State University School of Medicine. Deli meat should be refrigerated at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below, according to the USDA.

After you’ve purchased any type of sliced lunch meat, be sure to refrigerate it immediately once you get home. If the deli meat is left out for a few hours “at a temperature that favors bacterial growth,” there will be risks to consuming it, Seveau says.

How can I tell if deli meat has gone bad?

Theres a few telltale signs that may indicate it’s time to discard an open packet of deli meat. Do not consume the meat if you notice any suspicious changes to its smell or appearance. For example, you should discard the meat if it is emanating an unpleasant smell, if a viscous, sticky film appears on it, or if there is mold growth, Seveau says.

However, it is important to note that there won’t always be visible indications of bacterial growth on deli meat. Listeria growth, for example, often does not have any smell, Seveau says.

For this reason, always be sure to discard deli meat that has been open for more than five days, per USDA recommendations. Additionally, discard the meat if it is past the expiration date, Seveau says.