We’ve all faced this situation—you open the fridge, grab a package of deli meat, and pause. Something seems off. Maybe it looks a little slimy, smells a bit strange, or just seems past its prime. But your mother-in-law insists that tossing it would be wasteful,

So, what should you do? Should you trust your instincts or take the risk? In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about deli meat safety, shelf life, spoilage signs, and proper storage to help you make the safest decision for your family.Understanding the Shelf Life of Deli Meat