If a package of salami has been in your refrigerator for nearly a week, it’s likely time to dispose of it.

There are usually clear signs that your deli meat has overstay its welcome, but sometimes, spoilage isn’t always visible.

So, how long does deli meat actually remain safe to eat, and what storage methods should be followed? To delve into the risks of eating deli meat, we consulted an expert to address your questions.

How long is deli meat safe to eat?

The U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends that deli-sliced or store-prepared lunch meat should ideally be consumed within three to five days. Likewise, opened vacuum-sealed packages of sliced lunch meat should also be eaten within three to five days. If the packets are unopened, you should use them within two weeks, according to the USDA.

These guidelines apply only if you have taken necessary precautions for proper storage of deli meat. “What matters most is how the deli meat is stored,” states Dr. Stephanie Seveau, PhD, a microbial infection and immunity professor at The Ohio State University School of Medicine. According to the USDA, deli meat should be kept refrigerated at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

As soon as you bring home any deli lunch meat, refrigerate it immediately. Allowing it to sit out for a few hours “at a temperature that encourages bacterial growth” increases the risk of consumption, notes Seveau.

How can I tell if deli meat has spoiled?

There are a few signs that indicate it might be time to throw away an open package of deli meat. Avoid eating the meat if you notice any odd changes in its smell or look. For instance, dispose of the meat if it smells bad, has a slimy, sticky coating, or shows signs of mold growth, says Seveau.

However, keep in mind that sometimes there might not be visible signs of bacterial growth on deli meat. For instance, listeria can grow without any discernible odor, Seveau warns.

Therefore, it is essential to discard deli meat that has been opened for more than five days, as recommended by the USDA. Additionally, throw out any deli meat that has passed its expiration date, according to Seveau.

What is the risk of listeria from deli meat?

One of the most significant risks of eating cold deli meat is the chance of consuming meat tainted with listeria monocytogenes, the bacterium that causes listeriosis infections, according to Seveau.

Although listeriosis infections are uncommon, they can have severe consequences. The elderly, people with weakened immune systems, pregnant women, and newborns are at high risk for severe outcomes from listeriosis, she explains. Almost everyone diagnosed with listeriosis will need hospitalization, as stated by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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Refrigeration can slow down the growth of listeria on infected food, but it won’t eliminate it, according to Seveau. Thus, she emphasizes the importance of being aware of food recall notifications. If any food product you have, including deli meat, is recalled due to listeria, dispose of it immediately.