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Meat & Poultry
How long does sausage last?
Ground meat in casings.
Quick answer
Fridge (40°F / 4°C)
2 days
Raw — 1-2 days; cooked 7 days
Freezer (0°F / -18°C)
2 months
1-2 months raw; 2-3 months cooked
After opening
1 week
Cooked sausage, refrigerated
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Signs sausage has gone bad
- •Slimy
- •Sour smell
- •Color changes
Storage tips
- ✓Cook raw sausage to 160°F
- ✓Cooked links freeze well
- ✓Italian/breakfast sausage = same rules
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Sources & review
Compiled by the BestByDates editorial team. Last reviewed: January 2025. Spotted an error? Let us know.
Disclaimer: Times shown are USDA/FDA-recommended best quality periods, not absolute safety guarantees. Storage conditions, packaging, and food handling all affect actual shelf life. When in doubt, throw it out.