AboutCarol Schlitt Expertise I can answer questions on home food safety, sanitation, home food preservation and commercial food safety (HACCP).
Experience I am an Extension educator, nutrition, wellness and food safety. I am a certified HACCP manager and a food safety instructor for the Illinois Department of Public Health.
Organizations International Association for Food Protection, American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (Certified CFCS), National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences, Society for Nutrition Education.
Education/Credentials BS - University of Illinois
MS - Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville
Question How long can deli ham be kept in the refrigerator before it becomes dangerous to eat. I buy deli ham in sandwich slices, have it tied together then bake on the day needed.
Answer Hi Janet,
The general rule of thumb for deli meat, is that it should be consumed within 3-5 days of purchase (individually sliced). Unopened packages have a refrigerator shelf life of 2 weeks.
Deli meats tend to spoil first (off flavors, colors, slimy texture) before they would become unsafe to eat. Spoilage, while unpleasant, is not unsafe to eat. However, food spoilage organisms may hide food borne illness organisms which do not give off indicators of their presence. This is why we recommend not consuming deli meats with off flavors, colors or texture.
I would purchase meat and use it within 3-5 days. If you can not use it in that time frame, I would freeze the meat for future use.
