How long does deli meat last?

An unopened pack of deli meat keeps about 2 weeks in the fridge from purchase. Once opened, or if it was sliced at the deli counter, eat it within 3 to 5 days.

Food	Fridge	Freezer
Pre-packaged deli meat (ham, turkey, salami)	2 weeksfrom purchaseOpened: 3–5 days	1–2 monthsfrom purchase
Deli meat sliced at the counter	3–5 daysfrom purchase	1–2 months

Fridge at 4 °C (40 °F) or colder, freezer at −18 °C (0 °F). Freezer times are for best quality: food kept frozen stays safe, but slowly loses taste and texture. These times are USDA guidance, not a guarantee. When in doubt, throw it out.

How to tell if deli meat has gone bad

A slimy or sticky film on the slices.
A sour, vinegary or otherwise off smell.
Gray, green or dull color, or any mold.
More than 5 days since opening. Listeria, the main risk with deli meat, grows in the fridge without changing how the meat looks or smells.

How to store deli meat

Keep deli meat in the coldest part of the fridge, at 4 °C (40 °F) or below.
Once opened, reseal the pack or move the slices to a sealed container or bag with the air pressed out.
Write the date you opened it on the pack: the 3 to 5 days start then, not from the date printed on it.
Don't leave sandwiches or a cold-cut platter out for more than 2 hours.

Can you freeze deli meat?

Yes, for 1 to 2 months. Freeze it in portions, with parchment between the slices so they come apart. Thawed deli meat is a little wetter and softer, which matters less in sandwiches, wraps or cooked dishes. Thaw it in the fridge and use it within 3 to 5 days.

Questions

Is deli meat safe during pregnancy?

Health agencies advise pregnant people, older adults and anyone with a weakened immune system to avoid cold deli meat, or to heat it until steaming hot, 74 °C (165 °F), because of the risk of listeria.

Can you eat deli meat after the sell-by date?

An unopened pack kept cold can be fine for a short time after a sell-by date. Once it's open, go by the 3 to 5 days instead, whatever the date says.