How long does sausage last?
In the fridge, sausage keeps for 1 to 2 days from the package date. All 3 kinds are below.
No guideline
1 to 2 days
from the package date
No guideline
By kind
| Kind | Pantry | Fridge | After opening | Freezer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| raw bulk type or patties | no guideline | 1 to 2 days | no guideline | 1 to 2 months |
| fully cooked smoked links, kielbasa | no guideline | 1 week | no guideline | 1 to 2 months |
| hard, dry (pepperoni), sliced | no guideline | 2 to 3 weeks | no guideline | 1 to 2 months |
No guideline: USDA gives no time for that place, usually because the food is not stored that way.
Does sausage go bad?
Yes. The fridge time above is the window USDA gives for good quality; after it, sausage 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 sausage has gone bad
General signs for meat: smoked or processed, the group USDA lists sausage 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.
How long do other meat: smoked or processed last?
Source: USDA FSIS FoodKeeper dataset (public domain). How we decode the data.