If the deli meat has been open beyond the five day mark, or if it is past the expiration date, do not freeze it. Rather, you should discard the meat, because you can no longer guarantee its safety ...

Much like freezing itself, cooking is another ingenious workaround that can help you extend the lifespan of your meat and poultry, since the strong heat kills off lurking bacteria.

Deli meat is incredibly versatile, and if you’re stocking up on this lunchtime favorite, you may be wondering if freezing it is the key to extending its shelf life.