How many days can you eat sausages safely?

November 26, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the USDA, perishable cooked food should be discarded after 3-4 days in the refrigerator to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. This guide will explain precisely how many days can you eat sausages by breaking down safety guidelines for different varieties and cooking methods.

Quick Summary

This article provides comprehensive food safety guidelines on sausage storage times, differentiating between fresh, cooked, pre-cooked, and cured types, and detailing key signs of spoilage.

Key Points

Fresh vs. Cooked: Fresh sausages must be cooked or frozen within 1-2 days of purchase, whereas cooked leftovers are safe for 3-4 days in the fridge.
Pre-cooked Options: Unopened packages of pre-cooked sausages like hot dogs can last up to two weeks, but only about a week after opening.
Monitor Spoilage Signs: Look for changes in smell, color, and texture. Sliminess, a sour odor, or a grayish tint are clear indicators of spoilage.
Store Properly: Always use airtight containers and refrigerate promptly after cooking to prevent bacterial growth.
Freeze for Extended Life: For longer storage, cooked and fresh sausages can be frozen for 1-2 months or more without significant quality loss.
Follow FDA Rules: Adhere to the standard FDA recommendation of discarding perishable cooked foods left in the fridge for more than 7 days, with 3-4 days being the safer, more conservative standard.

Sausages are a versatile and delicious food, but their shelf life varies significantly depending on whether they are raw, cooked, or processed. Knowing the correct storage times is crucial to prevent foodborne illness, as pathogens may not always alter the food's appearance, smell, or taste. Safe handling, proper refrigeration, and awareness of spoilage signs are your best defense.

How Long Do Fresh, Uncooked Sausages Last?

Fresh, uncooked sausages are highly perishable and require careful handling. These include varieties like raw pork or chicken links. The USDA recommends storing fresh sausages in the refrigerator (at or below 40°F) for no more than one to two days before cooking or freezing.

Upon purchase: Cook or freeze fresh sausage within 1-2 days.
Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container to prevent bacterial contamination and keep them in the coldest part of the fridge.
Freezing: For longer storage, freeze fresh sausages for one to two months.

How Long Can You Eat Cooked Sausages?

Once cooked, sausages become leftovers and should be treated accordingly. The common guideline for most refrigerated leftovers applies to cooked sausages as well.

Refrigeration: Leftover cooked sausages can be stored in the refrigerator for three to four days.
Airtight storage: Always place cooked sausages in a sealed container within two hours of cooking.
Reheating: Reheat sausages thoroughly to 165°F (74°C). The Mayo Clinic advises against reheating food more than once.

Can you eat sausages after 4 days in the fridge?

It is highly recommended to discard cooked sausages after four days in the refrigerator. While some sources might extend this period slightly, the risk of bacterial growth, including organisms like Listeria and Salmonella, increases significantly after this time frame. It is always safer to err on the side of caution with meat products.

Guidelines for Pre-Cooked and Cured Sausages

Pre-cooked and cured sausages have a longer shelf life due to their processing methods, but they still require proper handling once the package is opened.

Unopened, pre-cooked: Unopened pre-cooked sausages, such as hot dogs or smoked breakfast links, can last up to two weeks in the refrigerator.
Opened, pre-cooked: Once opened, consume pre-cooked sausages within seven days.
Dry or hard sausages: Unopened hard sausages like salami or pepperoni can be stored indefinitely in the pantry. Once opened, they should be refrigerated and consumed within three weeks.

Comparison Table: Sausage Storage Times


Sausage Type	Refrigerator (≤ 40°F)	Freezer (≤ 0°F)
Fresh, uncooked	1-2 days after purchase	1-2 months
Cooked (leftovers)	3-4 days	2-3 months
Pre-cooked, unopened	Up to 2 weeks	1-2 months
Pre-cooked, opened	Up to 7 days	1-2 months
Hard/Dry, opened	Up to 3 weeks	1-2 months

Recognizing Signs of Spoiled Sausage

While visual and olfactory cues can indicate spoilage, they are not foolproof. Some dangerous bacteria do not produce noticeable changes. Nevertheless, be on the lookout for these classic warning signs:

Odor: A sour, rancid, or unpleasant smell is a strong indicator of spoilage.
Color: If the sausage develops a grayish or greenish tint, it should be discarded immediately.
Texture: A slimy or sticky surface texture is a tell-tale sign that the sausage is beginning to spoil.
Mold: Any visible mold growth means the sausage must be thrown out.

Best Practices for Storing Sausages

To maximize the shelf life of your sausages and maintain food safety, follow these best practices:

Refrigerate promptly: Place fresh, pre-cooked, and cooked sausages in the refrigerator as soon as possible, and definitely within two hours of cooking or purchasing.
Use airtight containers: Store sausages in sealed containers or bags to keep out air and prevent contamination.
Check dates: Always observe the 'use by' or 'sell by' date on the packaging, especially for fresh sausages.
Avoid cross-contamination: Keep raw sausages separate from cooked foods and produce.
Minimize handling: Handle sausages as little as possible to reduce bacterial introduction. Reheat cooked sausages only once to maintain quality and safety.

Conclusion: Prioritize Safety Above All

The number of days you can eat sausages depends heavily on their preparation and storage. Fresh sausages offer a very short refrigeration window, while cooked leftovers provide a slightly longer, but still limited, period of 3-4 days. Processed varieties, like hard salami, have the longest shelf life. When in doubt, it is always safest to discard the food rather than risk a foodborne illness, as pathogens may not announce their presence. By following these clear guidelines, you can ensure your sausages are both delicious and safe to eat.

For more information on general food safety, you can visit the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) website at FoodSafety.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, it is not recommended. Cooked sausages should be refrigerated and eaten within 3-4 days to avoid the risk of foodborne illness, even if they show no visible signs of spoilage.

Signs of spoilage include a slimy texture, a sour or unpleasant odor, and any changes in color, such as a gray or green tint. If you notice any of these, it is best to throw them out.

It depends on the type. For commercially made sausages, a slight pink color can be normal due to preservatives, but the safest method is to check the internal temperature, which should reach 165°F (74°C) to be fully cooked and safe.

No, you should not refreeze sausages after they have been thawed and cooked. The sausages should be cooked once, and any leftovers can be refrigerated for 3-4 days or frozen once more if they were thawed in the refrigerator.

Store cooked sausages in a shallow, airtight container or a heavy-duty foil within two hours of cooking. This prevents bacteria from multiplying and maintains their quality for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Fresh, uncooked sausages are highly perishable and should be cooked or frozen within 1-2 days of purchase. Always check the 'use by' date and store them in the coldest part of your refrigerator.

Cooked sausages can be frozen for 2-3 months, while fresh, uncooked sausages can be frozen for 1-2 months. For best quality, use them within these timeframes.

Yes, vacuum-sealing can extend the refrigerator life of cooked sausages by a few extra days, but standard food safety guidelines of 3-4 days should still be closely followed for homemade items.