How long do variety meats last?
In the fridge, variety meats keep for 1 to 2 days from the package date.
No guideline
1 to 2 days
from the package date
No guideline
Do variety meats go bad?
Yes. The fridge time above is the window USDA gives for good quality; after it, variety meats 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 variety meats have gone bad
General signs for meat: fresh, the group USDA lists variety meats 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.