Sandwich

The lifespan of a sandwich will vary greatly depending on what it's made with. In general, a sandwich made with fresh ingredients can last for up to 48 hours when refrigerated immediately after preparation. For sandwiches containing perishable ingredients (like deli meats, eggs, or dairy products), it's best to consume them within 4 hours if they have been kept at room temperature, or within two days if continuously kept in the refrigerator. Keep in mind that store bought pre-packaged sandwiches may contain preservatives, extending their shelf life compared to homemade counterparts. You should always follow the 'use by' date printed on their packaging. If you opt for freezing, most sandwiches (especially those with meat and/or cheese) can be frozen for up to a month. However, any sandwich with mayonnaise or veggies won’t do well in the freezer as these ingredients don't hold up to freezing.

Check for signs of mold, particularly on the bread and within the sandwich fillings. This could present itself as spots of green, white, or black. If you notice mold, it's best to discard the entire sandwich. Besides mold, pay attention to the aroma and texture of the sandwich. If it smells off or if the ingredients inside have become slimy, these are sure signs the sandwich has gone bad. Finally, if the sandwich contains meat and the meat has an unusual color (grey or brown instead of pink for ham, for instance), it might not be safe to eat.

• Always store sandwiches in the refrigerator if not consumed straightaway. This will slow down the growth of bacteria and keep it fresh for longer periods. • Use air-tight containers or sandwich bags to keep sandwiches fresh. Exposing sandwiches to air can dry them out and speed up the spoiling process. • If you plan to eat the sandwich within a few hours, keeping it wrapped in aluminium foil can maintain its temperature (whether hot or cold.) • Should you want to freeze your sandwich, avoid ingredients that don't freeze well, like lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and mayonnaise. • Defrost the sandwich in the refrigerator or at room temperature. Microwaving can make the bread soggy.