How Long Do Frozen Sausage Links Last?

SAUSAGES / SAUSAGE LINKS - PURCHASED COMMERCIALLY FROZEN

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6 months (best quality)

 

Shelf Life Tips

  • How long do frozen sausage links last? The precise answer to that question depends to a large extent on storage conditions - keep sausage links frozen at all times.
  • Properly stored, frozen sausage links will maintain best quality for about 6 months in the freezer, although they will usually remain safe to eat after that.
  • Are frozen sausage links safe to eat after the expiration date on the package? Yes, if properly stored - commercially frozen sausage links will typically carry a Best By," "Best if Used By," Best Before, or "Best When Used By" date but this is not a safety date, it is the manufacturer's estimate of how long the sausage links will remain at peak quality.
  • How long will frozen sausage links remain safe to eat? Frozen sausage links that have been kept constantly frozen at 0°F will keep safe indefinitely, as long as they have been stored properly and the package is not damaged.
  • How long can you safely leave frozen sausage links at room temperature? Frozen sausage links should be discarded if left for more than 2 hours at room temperature, as bacteria grow rapidly at temperatures between 40 °F and 140 °F.
  • How to tell if frozen sausage links are no longer good? If dry spots or discoloration have developed on the frozen sausage links, freezer burn has begun to set in - this will not make the sausage links unsafe to eat, but it will harm the texture and taste.

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Sources: For details about data sources used for food storage information, please click here

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