How Long Does an Unopened Package of Ham Deli Meat Last?

Shelf Life Tips

• How long does an unopened package of ham deli meat last in the fridge or freezer? The exact answer to that question depends to a large extent on storage conditions - keep packaged ham deli meat (also known as lunch meat, luncheon meat or cold cuts) refrigerated at all times.
• How long does an unopened package of ham deli meat last after the ? sell-by date or ? best before date on the package? After ham deli meat is purchased, it may be kept refrigerated for about 1 week after the ? sell by or ? best before date on the package if it has been properly stored.
• Unopened ham deli meat may be kept in its original store packaging when refrigerating; to maximize the shelf life of ham deli meat, do not open the package until ready to use.
• How long can an unopened package of ham deli meat be left at room temperature? Bacteria grow rapidly at temperatures between 40 °F and 140 °F; ham deli meat should be discarded if left out for more than 2 hours at room temperature.
• To further extend the shelf life of packaged ham deli meat, freeze; when freezing, place ham deli meat in the freezer before the number of days shown for refrigerator storage has elapsed.
• You can maximize the shelf life of unopened ham deli meat in the freezer by overwrapping the original store packaging with airtight heavy-duty aluminum foil, plastic wrap, or freezer paper or place the package inside a heavy-duty freezer bag in order to prevent freezer burn.
• How long does pre-packaged ham deli meat last in the freezer? Properly stored, it will maintain best quality for about 1 to 2 months, but will remain safe beyond that time.
• The freezer time shown is for best quality only - ham deli meat that has been kept constantly frozen at 0°F will keep safe indefinitely.
• How long does packaged ham deli meat last after being frozen and thawed? Ham deli meat that has been defrosted in the fridge can be kept for an additional 1 to 2 days in the refrigerator before using; ham deli meat that was thawed in the microwave or in cold water should be used immediately.
• How to tell if packaged ham deli meat is bad? The best way is to smell and look at the ham deli meat: signs of bad ham deli meat are a sour smell, dull color and slimy texture; discard any ham deli meat with an off smell or appearance.

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