How long does luncheon meat or poultry last once opened?
Luncheon meat or poultry (store-sliced, opened) keeps 3-5 days in the refrigerator and 1-2 months in the freezer.
Fridge
After opening
3-5days
Freezer
Can be frozen: yes
1-2months
Pantry
No known time
-
Mine has been in the fridge for
Refreeze after thawing in the fridge?
- United States
- Yes
- United Kingdom
- Only after cooking
How long does luncheon meat or poultry last in the refrigerator?
- Store-sliced, opened3-5 daysAfter opening
Refrigerators should be set to maintain a temperature of 40 °F or below.
Your fridge should be set between 0 and 5°C.
Other forms
| Form | Fridge | Freezer | Pantry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Store-sliced | 3-5 days | 1-2 months | - |
| Pre-packaged | 2 weeks | 1-2 months | - |
| Pre-packaged, opened | 3-5 days | 1-2 months | - |
| UK advice | 2 days | 1-2 months | - |
| General guidance, opened | - | 1-2 months | - |
What the official sources say
“Luncheon meat Opened package or deli sliced 3 to 5 days 1 to 2 months”
“The following will keep 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator: opened packages of luncheon meats or deli-meats”
Sources
We always show the most cautious time among official sources. Last verified: October 1, 2026.
- FoodSafety.gov Cold Food Storage Chart US
- Food Standards Agency - consumer food hygiene guidance GB
- Texas A&M AgriLife Extension US
- Carnegie Mellon University US
- University of Illinois Extension US
- Penn State Extension US
- University of Georgia Extension US
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration US
- University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension US
- Clemson University Extension US
- Love Food Hate Waste (WRAP) GB
- Ohio State University Extension US
- Virginia Cooperative Extension (Virginia Tech) US
- USDA FSIS FoodKeeper data US
- USDA FSIS Safe Food Handling and Preparation US