Sausage: Storage Guidelines

All sausage except dry sausage is perishable and therefore must be kept refrigerated. The following storage times should be followed for maximum quality.
* If the sausage has a "use-by" date, follow that date. It is the last date recommended for the use of the product while at peak quality. The date has been determined by the manufacturer of the product.
* If the sausage has a "sell-by" date, or no date, store it for the times recommended below.

Sausage Storage Chart

Type of Sausage: Fresh Sausage, uncooked
Refrigerator - Unopened: 1 to 2 days
Refrigerator - After Opening: (included in unopened storage)

Type of Sausage: Fresh Sausage, after cooking by consumer
Refrigerator - Unopened: (not applicable)
Refrigerator - After Opening: 3 to 4 days

Type of Sausage: Hard/Dry Sausage
Refrigerator - Unopened: indefinitely in refrigerator; 6 weeks in pantry
Refrigerator - After Opening: 3 weeks in refrigerator, or until it turns rancid

Type of Sausage: Hot Dogs and other Cooked Sausage
Refrigerator - Unopened: 2 weeks
Refrigerator - After Opening: 7 days

Type of Sausage: Summer Sausage (Semi-dry)
Refrigerator - Unopened: 3 months
Refrigerator - After Opening: 3 weeks

Freeze if you can't use within times recommended above for refrigerator storage. Once frozen it doesn't matter if the date expires because foods kept frozen continuously are safe indefinitely. However, for best quality use within 1-2 months.