Can Ground Sausage Go Bad : What You MUST Know

Can Ground Sausage Go Bad?

Yes, ground sausage can go bad, just like any other type of meat. In fact, because ground sausage is made by grinding up the meat, it has a much larger surface area exposed to air, making it more prone to bacterial growth and spoilage. If not stored properly, it can deteriorate quickly and become unsafe to consume. Ground sausage typically contains pork or beef, sometimes mixed with spices and fat, which gives it its signature flavor but also makes it more susceptible to the usual culprits of spoilage: bacteria, mold, and oxidation.

Spoilage is not always easy to detect immediately, so knowing the right signs and practices will help ensure that you’re not consuming bad meat. Let’s break down everything you need to know about ground sausage spoilage, its shelf life, how to properly store it, and how to spot the telltale signs that it’s no longer safe to eat.

Shelf Life For Ground Sausage

The shelf life of ground sausage largely depends on how it’s stored and whether it’s been cooked or remains raw. Let’s break it down by scenario:

• Fresh (Raw) Ground Sausage

  • Refrigerator: Raw ground sausage can last 1-2 days in the fridge if properly stored at or below 40°F (4°C). Ground meat spoils faster than whole cuts of meat because of the increased surface area exposed to air.
  • Freezer: If you need to store ground sausage for a longer period, freezing is your best option. It can last 3-4 months in the freezer. It’s crucial to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil, and then store it in an airtight freezer bag or container to prevent freezer burn.

• Cooked Ground Sausage

  • Refrigerator: Once cooked, ground sausage can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Just make sure it’s stored in an airtight container.
  • Freezer: Cooked ground sausage freezes well, too. It can last up to 2-3 months in the freezer without significant loss of quality.

• Packaged (Pre-packaged) Ground Sausage

  • If you’ve bought ground sausage that’s been vacuum-sealed or in an airtight package, the best-by or sell-by date on the label is your best guide. Typically, unopened packages will last until the date indicated when stored properly in the fridge or freezer.

Common Signs Of Spoilage

When ground sausage starts to go bad, you’ll notice a few red flags. While some signs are obvious, others can be a bit more subtle, so let’s break down the major indicators that your ground sausage is no longer good to eat:

1. Smell

   • The most obvious and reliable indicator of spoilage is an off or sour smell. Fresh ground sausage should have a clean, slightly savory odor. If you notice any rancid, sour, or overly pungent odor, it’s a sure sign that the sausage has gone bad.

2. Color

   • Ground sausage is typically a pinkish color, sometimes with specks of fat. If the meat turns a grayish or greenish color, that’s a sign it’s starting to spoil. Discoloration often indicates that the sausage has been exposed to air for too long or that bacteria are multiplying on its surface.

3. Texture

   • Fresh ground sausage should have a slightly moist but firm texture. If the sausage feels slimy or sticky when you touch it, that’s an indicator of bacterial growth. A slimy texture is a red flag for spoilage, even if the sausage still appears to be within its shelf life.

4. Mold

   • While mold growth on sausage is rare, it can happen if the sausage has been improperly stored, exposed to moisture, or left in a damp environment. If you see any visible mold, discard the sausage immediately.

5. Taste

   • Although you should never rely on taste alone, if you’ve checked all the other signs and are still unsure, a small taste test can be an indicator. Spoiled sausage will often taste sour or unpleasant.

How To Store Ground Sausage?

Proper storage is crucial to extending the shelf life of ground sausage and keeping it fresh. Here are the best ways to store it, both raw and cooked:

1. Refrigeration

   • Raw Ground Sausage: Always store raw sausage in the coldest part of your refrigerator, ideally on a lower shelf where the temperature is most consistent. Use airtight containers, or tightly wrap it in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to minimize exposure to air.
   • Cooked Ground Sausage: After cooking, allow the sausage to cool down to room temperature (but no longer than 2 hours) before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate immediately to maintain its freshness.

2. Freezing

   • Raw Ground Sausage: For long-term storage, freezing is your best bet. Wrap raw sausage tightly in plastic wrap or foil to prevent air from getting in, and place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. Make sure you label the package with the date of freezing.
   • Cooked Ground Sausage: Similar to raw sausage, cooked ground sausage can be frozen. Divide it into smaller portions for easy defrosting and use freezer bags that are specifically designed to prevent air exposure.

3. Vacuum Sealing

   • If you’re serious about long-term storage, investing in a vacuum sealer can be a game changer. Vacuum-sealing removes all air from the packaging, which significantly reduces the chances of freezer burn and bacterial growth.

Expert Tips

• Don’t Mix Fresh and Old Sausage: If you’ve got both fresh and leftover cooked sausage, don’t mix them together. It’s better to store them separately to avoid cross-contamination or flavor transfer.
• Date Your Packages: Labeling your ground sausage with the date you bought or cooked it can help you keep track of its age, ensuring you don’t forget about it in the back of your fridge or freezer.
• Check Your Fridge Temperature: Ensure your refrigerator is set to the correct temperature-around 37-40°F (3-4°C). A fridge that’s too warm will accelerate the spoiling process of your meat.
• Don’t Thaw and Refreeze: If you’ve frozen your ground sausage, it’s best not to thaw and refreeze it. This can damage the texture and make it prone to bacteria growth. Only defrost what you plan to use immediately.

FAQs

Can Ground Sausage Go Bad If Left Out?

Yes, ground sausage can go bad if left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Bacteria can grow rapidly in warm conditions, leading to foodborne illnesses.

How Long Can Ground Sausage Stay In The Fridge?

Ground sausage can typically stay fresh in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 days. After this period, it may begin to spoil and should be discarded.

What Are The Signs That Ground Sausage Has Gone Bad?

Signs that ground sausage has gone bad include a sour or off smell, discoloration (such as turning gray or brown), and a slimy texture. If any of these are present, it should not be consumed.

Can Ground Sausage Be Frozen To Prevent It From Going Bad?

Yes, freezing ground sausage is an effective way to prevent it from spoiling. It can last for 3 to 4 months in the freezer without significant loss of quality.

Can I Eat Ground Sausage After The Sell-by Date?

The sell-by date is a guideline for freshness. While you may still be able to consume ground sausage after this date if it’s been stored properly, it’s important to check for signs of spoilage before eating it.

How Can I Tell If Ground Sausage Is Still Good After Freezing?

If ground sausage has been frozen properly and has no signs of freezer burn, it should be safe to eat within 3 to 4 months. Thaw it in the fridge and check for any unusual odors or textures before cooking.

Can Ground Sausage Spoil In The Freezer?

While ground sausage won’t spoil in the freezer as quickly as in the fridge, it can lose quality over time. Freezer burn or a change in texture and flavor may occur if it’s stored too long (more than 4 months).

What Happens If I Eat Spoiled Ground Sausage?

Eating spoiled ground sausage can lead to food poisoning, with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever. If you suspect food poisoning, consult a healthcare professional.

Can Ground Sausage Be Stored In Its Original Packaging?

Ground sausage can be stored in its original packaging if it’s still sealed. However, for longer storage, you should transfer it to an airtight container or resealable bag to maintain freshness and avoid contamination.

Can I Smell Ground Sausage To Check If It’s Still Good?

Yes, the smell is one of the best indicators of whether ground sausage has gone bad. Fresh sausage should have a savory, slightly spicy scent, while spoiled sausage will have a sour, rancid odor.