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Decorative illustration of the four start-here steps as icons: 1, an open book; 2, a kitchen scale; 3, salami links hanging from a rod; 4, a jar of salami slices. Step 4 is highlighted.

Step 4 of 4

Know how long it keeps

By the site editors. Last updated November 2, 2026.

Does salami go bad? How long it lasts in the pantry, fridge and freezer, and when white mold is fine.

The quick version, for store-bought hard or dry sausage, straight from the FSIS chart: "Whole, 6 weeks in pantry; indefinitely in refrigerator," 3 weeks in the fridge once it's opened, and 1 to 2 months in the freezer (FSIS: Sausages and Food Safety, archived). FSIS also says "All sausage — except dry sausage — is perishable and therefore must be kept refrigerated" (FSIS, archived).

Two heads-ups. Cooked salami (cotto) "must be refrigerated" (FSIS, archived). And homemade salami doesn't get the pantry pass. Keep homemade salami refrigerated. That's our rule, not a USDA time; no source gives storage times for homemade salami (Does salami go bad?). If the label says "Keep Refrigerated," keep it refrigerated.

When in doubt, throw it out.