Meat pâté Per USDA FoodKeeper
On the counterCounter
2 hours
1 hour if above 90°F
In the fridgeFridge
7 days
at or below 40°F (4°C)
In the freezerFreezer
Not listed
no FoodKeeper figure
Quick answer
Yes. Meat pâté lasts 7 days in the fridge. After that, or sooner if stored badly, it spoils: watch for the signs below.
How to tell if meat pâté is bad
Smell
A sour, sulphur or ammonia smell, even faint.
Texture
Sticky or slimy surface that stays after rinsing.
Colour
Grey-green or brown patches spreading across the meat.
Package
A bloated or leaking pack, or past the date by more than the fridge window.
Meat pâté past the expiration date
Best-by and sell-by
FoodKeeper gives unopened meat pâté 7 days in the fridge, counted from the day you buy it. "Best-by" and "sell-by" describe quality and stock rotation, not safety; only infant formula carries a federally required use-by date.
Past the date
For perishable meat pâté, the storage clock matters more than the label: if it has been in the fridge longer than 7 days, discard it even before the printed date.
How to keep meat pâté fresh longer
- Left over pâtés should be wrapped in plastic film.
- Refrigerate at 40°F (4°C) or below as soon as you get home; bottom shelf, so juices cannot drip.
- Keep it in the store pack until you use it, or overwrap for the freezer.
More about meat pâté
FAQ
How long does it take for meat pâté to go bad?
7 days in the fridge, per USDA FoodKeeper. At room temperature, 2 hours.
Can meat pâté expire?
FoodKeeper gives unopened meat pâté 7 days in the fridge, counted from the day you buy it. "Best-by" and "sell-by" describe quality and stock rotation, not safety; only infant formula carries a federally required use-by date.
What happens if you eat bad meat pâté?
Spoiled perishable food can cause food poisoning: nausea, vomiting, cramps or diarrhoea. See a doctor if symptoms are severe or last more than a few days.
How do you keep meat pâté from going bad?
Left over pâtés should be wrapped in plastic film.
Numbers on this page come from USDA FoodKeeper and FSIS guidance. Last verified November 2026. How we verify our data · Report a wrong number