Tag: Lunch meat safety

According to the USDA, once a package of lunch meat is opened or purchased from the deli counter, it should be consumed within just three to five days. Eating lunch meat that is nine days old far exceeds this safe consumption window and carries a significant health risk.

According to the CDC, pregnant women and immunocompromised individuals are at a higher risk of serious infection from Listeria, which can contaminate ready-to-eat products like deli meat. Knowing how to tell if lunch meat is spoiled is a critical skill for preventing foodborne illness in all households.