Shelf Life Tips
- How long does an unopened package of roast beef deli meat last in the fridge or freezer? The exact answer to that question depends to a large extent on storage conditions - keep packaged roast beef deli meat (also known as lunch meat, luncheon meat or cold cuts) refrigerated at all times.
-
How long does an unopened package of roast beef deli meat last after the ? sell-by date or ? best before date on the package? After roast beef 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 roast beef deli meat may be kept in its original store packaging when refrigerating; to maximize the shelf life of roast beef deli meat, do not open the package until ready to use.
-
How long can an unopened package of 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.
-
To further extend the shelf life of packaged roast beef deli meat, freeze; when freezing, place roast beef deli meat in the freezer before the number of days shown for refrigerator storage has elapsed.
-
You can maximize the shelf life of unopened 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.
-
How long does pre-packaged roast beef 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 - roast beef deli meat that has been kept constantly frozen at 0°F will keep safe indefinitely.
-
How long does packaged roast beef deli meat last after being frozen and thawed? Roast beef deli meat that has been defrosted in the fridge can be kept for an additional 1 to 2 days in the refrigerator before using; roast beef deli meat that was thawed in the microwave or in cold water should be used immediately.
-
How to tell if packaged roast beef deli meat is bad? The best way is to smell and look at the roast beef deli meat: signs of bad roast beef deli meat are a sour smell, dull color and slimy texture; discard any roast beef deli meat with an off smell or appearance.
About Our Authors
Sources: For details about data sources used for food storage information, please click here
