Why is cooked lamb not sold on deli counters?

You're right, cooked lamb is rarely found on deli counters. Here's why:

* Shelf Life: Cooked lamb has a significantly shorter shelf life than raw lamb. Bacteria grows more rapidly in cooked meat, making it a higher risk for foodborne illness. This makes it difficult for delis to safely store and sell cooked lamb.

* Demand: Lamb is less popular than other meats like beef, chicken, and pork. Demand for cooked lamb is likely lower, making it less economically viable for delis to stock.

* Preparation: Lamb is often prepared in specific ways (roasts, chops, etc.) that make it less suitable for deli-style slicing and serving. It can be challenging to prepare lamb in a way that is both appealing and convenient for deli customers.

* Cost: Lamb can be more expensive than other meats. Cooking and preparing it further would likely increase the cost, making it less attractive to customers.

While cooked lamb might be found in some specialty delis or butcher shops, it's not a common sight in mainstream deli counters.