How long does lamb last?
In the fridge, lamb keeps for 3 to 5 days from the package date. All 12 kinds are below.
No guideline
3 to 5 days
from the package date
No guideline
By kind
| Kind | Pantry | Fridge | After opening | Freezer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| leg, bone-in - small | no guideline | 3 to 5 days | no guideline | 4 to 12 months |
| leg, bone-in - large | no guideline | 3 to 5 days | no guideline | 4 to 12 months |
| leg; boneless, rolled | no guideline | 3 to 5 days | no guideline | 4 to 12 months |
| crown roast | no guideline | 3 to 5 days | no guideline | 4 to 12 months |
| shoulder roast or shank leg half | no guideline | 3 to 5 days | no guideline | 4 to 12 months |
| cubes for kabobs | no guideline | 3 to 5 days | no guideline | 4 to 12 months |
| ground | no guideline | 1 to 2 days | no guideline | 3 to 4 months |
| chops, ribs, or loin | no guideline | 3 to 5 days | no guideline | 4 to 12 months |
| leg steaks | no guideline | 3 to 5 days | no guideline | 4 to 12 months |
| stew meat, pieces | no guideline | 3 to 5 days | no guideline | 4 to 12 months |
| shanks | no guideline | 3 to 5 days | no guideline | 4 to 12 months |
| breast, rolled | no guideline | 3 to 5 days | no guideline | 4 to 12 months |
No guideline: USDA gives no time for that place, usually because the food is not stored that way.
Does lamb go bad?
Yes. The fridge time above is the window USDA gives for good quality; after it, lamb may still be safe for a short while but quality drops and spoilage signs start. The date on the package is the maker's quality promise; the times here count from purchase unless marked "from the package date".
Two numbers to keep in mind: a fridge at 40 F (4 C) or below, and no more than 2 hours at room temperature (1 hour above 90 F / 32 C) for anything perishable.
How to tell lamb has gone bad
General signs for meat: fresh, the group USDA lists lamb under.
- Sticky, tacky or slimy film on the surface
- Sour or ammonia-like smell instead of a mild, fresh one
- Grey-green colour throughout, not just where air touched it
- Torn or leaking packaging that let air or juices escape
- Texture that stays dented when pressed instead of springing back
More on meat: fresh. The times above are quality guidelines, not safety limits; food that shows these signs goes out regardless of the date.
How long do other meat: fresh last?
Source: USDA FSIS FoodKeeper dataset (public domain). How we decode the data.