DecodedGuides

How long does pork roll last?

Pork roll keeps until the date on the package in the fridge. Times are USDA FoodKeeper quality guidelines from the point of purchase unless noted.

Pantry

No guideline

Fridge

Use by the package date

; after opening: 7 days

Keep refrigerated.

Freezer

No guideline

How to tell pork roll has gone bad

General signs for meat: smoked or processed, the group USDA lists pork roll under.

  • Slimy or sticky film on hot dogs or sliced sausage
  • Grey or green tinge developing on the surface
  • Sour or off smell replacing the usual smoky scent
  • Hardened, dried-out edges on bacon left uncovered too long
  • Package losing its vacuum seal or ballooning with gas

More on meat: smoked or processed. 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

Refrigerate opened bacon, ham, sausage and hot dogs in their original packaging or a sealed container, and use within about a week. Freeze anything you will not use in time; vacuum-sealed cuts freeze especially well. Keep these products toward the back of the fridge, where the temperature is steadiest.

More in meat: smoked or processed

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.