Shelf Life Tips
- How long does sliced roast beef deli meat last in the fridge? The exact answer to that question depends to a large extent on storage conditions - keep roast beef deli meat (also known as lunch meat, luncheon meat or cold cuts) refrigerated at all times.
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To maximize the shelf life of roast beef deli meat after opening, keep refrigerated in airtight containers or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
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Properly stored, sliced roast beef deli meat will last for 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator.
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How long can roast beef deli meat be left at room temperature? Bacteria grow rapidly at temperatures between 40 °F and 140 °F; roast beef deli meat should be discarded if left out for more than 2 hours at room temperature.
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To further extend the shelf life of roast beef deli meat, freeze it; when freezing, place roast beef deli meat in the freezer before the number of days shown for refrigerator storage has elapsed.
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You can maximize the shelf life of roast beef 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.
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How long does roast beef deli meat last in the freezer? Properly stored, it will maintain best quality for 1 to 2 months, but will remain safe beyond that time.
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How long does roast beef deli meat last after being frozen and thawed? Sliced roast beef deli meat that has been defrosted in the fridge can be kept for an additional 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator before using; sliced roast beef deli meat that was thawed in the microwave or in cold water should be used immediately.
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The freezer time shown is for best quality only - roast beef deli meat that has been kept constantly frozen at 0°F will keep safe indefinitely.
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How can you tell if roast beef deli meat is bad or spoiled? The best way is to smell and look at the meat: discard any roast beef deli meat with a slimy surface, off smell or appearance; do not taste first.
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