It depends on the type of sausage you have how long it can stay in the fridge. The time can also fluctuate based on how and if it is properly stored.
Here is a general idea of how long sausage will last in the fridge based on the type:
Sausage is a convenient tasty staple in many households. From hot dogs to breakfast links sausage makes meals quick and satisfying. But like any perishable food, sausages have a limited shelf life. The sell by date gives guidance on when the sausage will be at peak freshness. But how long after the sell by date is sausage still safe to eat?
In this article, we’ll explore what the sell by date really means, how to store sausage properly, and signs of spoiled sausage. With a few simple storage tips, you can maximize sausage’s shelf life and enjoy one of the most beloved meats even past its prime date.
Understanding the Sell By Date
The sell by date is not an expiration date, but rather the last recommended day a retailer should offer the product for sale. Sausages are still safe to eat and retain much of their quality for a period after this date.
The sell by date accounts for the sausage’s peak freshness under proper storage conditions. It also allows ample time for the consumer to use the sausage at home.
With refrigeration, fresh sausage stays right at 1-2 days after the sell by date Precooked sausages last 1 week past the sell by date if properly refrigerated. Hard or dried sausages keep even longer – 6 weeks past the sell by date when stored in the pantry
So use your judgment when evaluating sausage even a few days past its sell by date. Look for signs of spoilage before automatically tossing sausages based on this date alone.
Proper Storage for Maximum Freshness
To get the most life out of sausage after the sell by date, proper storage is key. Here are some storage tips for different sausage types:
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Fresh raw sausage – Store in the refrigerator in original packaging 1-2 days. Re-wrap tightly or seal airtight for longer storage. Raw sausage can be frozen for 1-2 months.
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Cooked fresh sausage – Refrigerate in airtight containers for 3-4 days. Can be frozen for 1-2 months.
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Pre-cooked sausage – Refrigerate unopened packages for 2 weeks, or 1 week after opening. Can be frozen for 1-2 months.
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Hard/dry sausage – Before opening, can be stored for 6 weeks in a cool, dark pantry. Once opened, refrigerate for 3 weeks.
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Hot dogs – Refrigerate unopened 2 weeks, opened 1 week. Freeze for 1-2 months.
Follow the “keep refrigerated” guidelines on sausage packaging for maximum freshness. Use frozen sausage within 1-2 months for best quality.
How to Tell When Sausage Is No Longer Safe
Although properly stored sausage can be enjoyed past its sell by date, there are signs that sausage has spoiled and is no longer safe to eat. Discard sausage if it has any of the following characteristics:
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Sliminess – Fresh sausage shouldn’t be overly slimy. Excess moisture on the surface indicates spoilage.
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Off colors or molds – Look for odd colors like green, blue, or black which can indicate mold growth.
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Strange odors – Sausage past its prime often smells rancid, sour, or unpleasant. Trust your nose!
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Texture changes – Dry, hard casings or mushy interiors signal sausage is over the hill.
When in doubt, remember the old adage “when in doubt, throw it out” applies to suspicious sausage too. It’s better to be safe than sick!
Enjoying Sausage Safely Past Its Prime
With proper refrigeration and an observant eye, sausage can be safely enjoyed days or even weeks past its sell by date. Here are some tips:
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Cook older refrigerated sausage thoroughly to 165°F. This kills any bacteria that may have started growing.
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Avoid eating precooked sausages like hot dogs cold if they are past their date. Heat them fully to be safest.
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Freeze sausage near or just past its sell by date for longest shelf life. Thaw in the refrigerator before using.
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Trust your senses. If sausage smells, looks, or feels off, get rid of it even if the date says it’s still “good”.
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When in doubt, toss it out! Don’t risk getting sick from iffy sausage.
The sell by date is a helpful guide, not an absolute cutoff. Be sure to store opened packages properly, check for signs of spoilage, and cook older sausage thoroughly. With smart handling, sausage can still be safely enjoyed for some time past its prime.
Tips for Handling Sausage To Minimize Waste
No one wants to throw away usable food. Here are some tips for enjoying every last bit of sausage safely:
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Freeze sausage you won’t use in time rather than waiting until it spoils.
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Cook up any sausage that’s close to spoiling and freeze it for later use in casseroles, pasta, etc.
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Purchase small packages if you don’t eat much sausage regularly.
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Keep an eye on your fridge’s temperature. A too-warm fridge accelerates spoilage.
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Wrap unused cooked sausage tightly and reheat fully later in the week.
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Mark packages with dates opened or purchased so you know what’s oldest.
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When freezing sausage, double wrap in plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn.
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Trust refrigeration times, not counter times. Never leave sausage out more than 2 hours.
With proper handling, sausage can be a healthy part of meals even past its prime date. Follow refrigeration guidelines, check for spoilage, freeze for longer life, and cook thoroughly. Stay alert, use common sense, and you can safely extend the shelf life of one of the most beloved meats.
Q&A on Sausage Freshness
Still have questions on how long sausage keeps? Here are answers to some common queries:
How long does fresh raw sausage last after opening?
Raw sausage keeps 1-2 days after opening when refrigerated. Cook or freeze within this time for best quality.
Can you freeze sausage after the sell by date?
Yes, freezing sausage by or just after the sell by date helps preserve it since bacteria grow slower at cold temperatures. Cook thawed frozen sausage fully before eating.
Is it safe to eat precooked sausage after the sell by date?
Precooked sausages can be safely eaten for up to 1 week past the sell by date as long as they were refrigerated continuously at 40°F or below and there are no signs of spoilage. Reheat fully before consuming.
How can you tell when cooked sausage has gone bad?
Signs that cooked sausage has spoiled include foul odors, sliminess, dull or unusual colors, and odd textures. Remember, “When in doubt, throw it out.”
Can you get food poisoning from spoiled sausage?
Yes, eating sausage with harmful bacteria can cause foodborne illness. Cook sausage thoroughly and discard any with off smells or textures to avoid getting sick.
Trust your senses, follow refrigeration guidelines, and handle sausage safely, and you can maximize its shelf life beyond the sell by date. But if in doubt – throw it out!
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How Do You Tell If Sausage Has Gone Bad?
Fresh sausage should be pink on the inside and taste herby when cooked. Check for the following signs to tell if sausage is spoiled:
- Weird smell: Sausage that has gone bad will smell sour.
- Feels or looks slimy: If the sausage feels or looks slimy, it’s time to throw it away.
- Horrible Taste: After looking at the pizza to see if it has gone bad, don’t judge it by its smell.
- If the color of the sausage changes from brown to gray or green, it’s probably bad.
How Should Raw Sausage Be Stored?
To make raw sausage last as long as possible, put it in the fridge within two hours of buying it and keep it there at all times. Unopened raw sausage can be stored in its original packaging. If you open the package and don’t use any of the raw sausage, wrap it again tightly in plastic wrap or seal it in a bag. You can freeze sausage in its original packaging, but you can keep it from getting freezer burn even more by wrapping it in foil or plastic wrap.
Date Code and Expiration Date for Johnsonville Sausage Patties and Links
FAQ
Can you eat sausage after the sell-by date?
How long is uncooked sausage good for in the fridge?
How to tell if sausage has gone bad?
How long after use-by date is Jimmy Dean sausage good?
When should a sausage be stored?
If the sausage has a “use-by” date, follow that date. It is the last date recommended for the use of the product while at peak quality. The date has been determined by the manufacturer of the product. If the sausage has a “sell-by” date, or no date, store it for the times recommended below.
When does sausage expire?
In short, the sausage manufacturer makes an estimated guess on when the sausage will no longer be at prime quality. This is known as the sell-by date. The sell-by date does not mean the sausage will automatically expire once this date passes o that it is not safe to consume.
How long does sausage last after a sell-by date?
As I mentioned above, the sell-by date is not very definitive. It is an estimate of the last day the sausage will be at peak condition. Typically, sausage is safe to consume after the sell-by date as long as it is stored in the fridge the right way. Sausage will last for 3-4 days after the sell-by date expires when stored in the refrigerator.
Can you eat sausage after a sell-by date?
Typically, sausage is safe to consume after the sell-by date as long as it is stored in the fridge the right way. Sausage will last for 3-4 days after the sell-by date expires when stored in the refrigerator. In contrast, you can also toss the sausage into the freezer on the last day or a few days before the sausage’s sell-by date expires.
Does sausage need to be refrigerated?
All sausage — except dry sausage — is perishable and therefore must be kept refrigerated. The following storage times should be followed for maximum quality. If the sausage has a “use-by” date, follow that date. It is the last date recommended for the use of the product while at peak quality.
How long does sausage last in the freezer?
In contrast, you can also toss the sausage into the freezer on the last day or a few days before the sausage’s sell-by date expires. The sausage will last for 6-8 months. Remember, the sausage will only last at room temperature for 1-2 hours, depending on the room’s temperature.