How Long Food Lasts

Sausage

How long does sausage last once opened?

Sausage (summer sausage (semi-dry), opened) keeps 2-3 weeks in the refrigerator.

Fridge

After opening

2-3weeks

Freezer

No known time

-

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 sausage last in the refrigerator?

  • Summer sausage (semi-dry), opened2-3 weeksAfter 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

FormFridgeFreezerPantry
Raw bulk type or patties1-2 days1-2 months-
Raw bulk type or patties, opened---
Fully cooked smoked links, kielbasa1 week1-2 months-
Fully cooked smoked links, kielbasa, opened---
Hard, dry (pepperoni), sliced2-3 weeks1-2 months-
Sausages, uncooked1-2 days1-2 months-
Sausages, precooked3-4 days1-2 months-
General guidance-1-2 months-
Fresh sausage, after cooking-2-3 months-
Fresh sausage, after cooking, opened---
Purchased frozen-1-2 months-
Hard/dry, whole-1-2 months6 weeks
Hard/dry, whole, opened---
Hard/dry, whole, unopenedindefinitely-6 weeks
Smoked breakfast links, patties7 days--
Summer sausage (semi-dry)-1-2 months-
Summer sausage (semi-dry), unopened3 months--

What the official sources say

“Summer sausage labeled "Keep Refrigerated" Unopened, 3 months; Opened, 3 weeks”

“Summer sausage Labeled "keep refrigerated" Opened: 3 weeks”

“summer, unopened 3 months 1-2 months opened 3 weeks”

“Sausage, semi-dry (e.g., summer sausage) 2-3 weeks, opened”

Sources

We always show the most cautious time among official sources. Last verified: October 1, 2026.