Pulled out some deli meat from fridge. My mother-in-law says it’s wasteful not to use it, but it looks bad to me. What should I do?

We’ve all faced this dilemma: You pull deli meat from the fridge, and something seems off—maybe it’s a little slimy or has an odd smell. But your mother-in-law insists tossing it would be wasteful. What should you do? Balancing food safety, avoiding waste, and keeping peace at home can be tricky. Here’s how to handle the situation wisely.

How Long Does Deli Meat Last?

Deli meats—whether pre-packaged or sliced fresh—have a short shelf life:

• Opened pre-packaged meats: 7–10 days

• Freshly sliced deli meats: 3–5 days

These timelines vary based on the type of meat, preservatives, and how well it’s stored. If it’s past this window, it’s best to discard it.

Signs Your Deli Meat Has Gone Bad

Trust your senses. If the meat shows any of these signs, don’t eat it:
✅ Smell: Sour or unpleasant odor
✅ Texture: Slimy, sticky, or unusually mushy
✅ Color: Grayish, greenish, or odd discoloration
✅ Mold: Any visible fuzz or spots

If in doubt, remember: When it comes to food safety, it’s better to waste a little than risk getting sick.

The Risks of Eating Spoiled Deli Meat

Consuming spoiled deli meat can lead to food poisoning, with symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. In severe cases (especially for young children, elderly, or immunocompromised individuals), it can cause serious illness.

How to Store Deli Meat Properly

Instructions:

For Complete Cooking STEPS Please Head On Over To Next Page Or Open button (>) and don’t forget to SHARE with your Facebook friends