How Long Does Cold Cut Meat Last in the Fridge?
Depending on the type of meat that is being used, cold cut deli meats can last anywhere from 5 days to 4 weeks. Meats that have been opened will not last as long as meats that have not been opened or disrupted.
Fresh deli meats last the shortest amount of time when they are in the refrigerator because they are not vacuum sealed. They can be expected to last around 5 to 6 days before they begin to go bad. Meats that have been prepackaged can last in the refrigerator for around 7 to 10 days, whether they are opened or unopened.
Bologna, which is similar to other prepackaged lunch meats, can remain in the fridge for 1 to 2 weeks and will begin to give an offensive odor when it is no longer safe to eat. Hard salami and pepperoni can last for around 2 to 4 weeks depending on whether it is opened or unopened. Cold cut meats can last for up to 8 months when they are placed in the freezer.
The easiest way to tell if a meat is bad is to perform an odor test. If the meat smells rancid or gives an unusual scent, it is probably not safe for human consumption. Rotten meat will commonly smell sour, similar to rotten milk.
