How long do meat products last?
Meat products keep for 3 to 4 days in the fridge once opened, for 5 years in the pantry. Times are USDA FoodKeeper quality guidelines from the point of purchase unless noted.
5 years
from the package date
3 to 4 days
after opening
No guideline
How to tell meat products have gone bad
General signs for meat: shelf stable foods, the group USDA lists meat products under.
- Bulging, dented or rusted cans, especially along the seam
- Jerky that has gone soft, sticky or visibly mouldy
- Hissing or spurting liquid when a can is opened
- Off, sour or rancid smell on opening
- Unusual colour change compared to a fresh package
More on meat: shelf stable foods. The times above are quality guidelines, not safety limits; food that shows these signs goes out regardless of the date.
Storage habits that make the difference
Store unopened cans and sealed jerky in a cool, dry cupboard away from direct sunlight. Once opened, refrigerate canned meat in a covered container and use within a few days. Reseal jerky tightly or keep it in an airtight bag or container after opening to preserve texture.
More in meat: shelf stable foods
Source: USDA FSIS FoodKeeper dataset (public domain). Times assume a fridge at 40 F (4 C) and a freezer at 0 F (-18 C). How we decode the data.