Raw sausage (pork, beef, chicken or turkey) keeps 1-2 days in the fridge at 40°F or below. Frozen, it keeps best quality 1-2 months and stays safe indefinitely at 0°F.
Storage times from USDA, FoodSafety.gov, FDA and university extension services. Checked .
How long does raw sausage last in the fridge?
1–2 days at 40°F (4°C) or below.
Can you freeze raw sausage?
Yes. For best quality use it within 1–2 months. Best quality; safe indefinitely at 0°F.
- Freeze links in a single layer, then bag them.
- Overwrap store packaging to limit freezer burn.
After thawing: If thawed in the fridge, cook within 1-2 days or refreeze; cook immediately after cold-water or microwave thawing.
How long can raw sausage sit out?
No more than 2 hours at room temperature, or 1 hour when it's above 90°F (USDA's 2-hour rule). After that, throw it out.
How to tell if raw sausage has gone bad
- Sour or off odor
- Slimy casing
- Gray or greenish color
Bacteria that cause food poisoning don't always change the look or smell of food, so go by the storage times above. When in doubt, throw it out.
Questions people ask
How long do fully cooked sausages last?
Fully cooked or smoked sausages keep about 1 week in the fridge after opening and 1-2 months in the freezer.
What temperature should raw sausage be cooked to?
Pork or beef sausage to 160°F; chicken or turkey sausage to 165°F.
How long does cooked sausage last in the fridge?
Raw sausage keeps 1–2 days in the refrigerator at 40°F or below.
How long is frozen sausage good for?
For best quality, 1–2 months in a 0°F freezer. Frozen food stays safe indefinitely; time only affects taste and texture.
How long do cooked sausages last in fridge?
Raw sausage keeps 1–2 days in the refrigerator at 40°F or below.
Can you refreeze sausage?
If thawed in the fridge, cook within 1-2 days or refreeze; cook immediately after cold-water or microwave thawing.
How long does sausage last in the fridge?
Raw sausage keeps 1–2 days in the refrigerator at 40°F or below.