Meat expiration date question HELP!

[njsweetP]

Ok, so I went to pull the meatloaf mix out of the fridge to make a sauce with
and noticed the sell by date is 11/15 I opened it to smell it and it doesn't have any funky odor...it's ok to use right?

 

[mickeymaker2003]

Two days isn't very far over the expiration date. As long as it has been kept cold and you cook it thoroughly, I'd use it.

 

[pintamino]

Ok, so I went to pull the meatloaf mix out of the fridge to make a sauce with
and noticed the sell by date is 11/15 I opened it to smell it and it doesn't have any funky odor...it's ok to use right?

That's why it's called a "Sell-by" date, not a "use-by" date. The store doesn't expect you to take it home and cook it all up that day! It's only the 17th, I'm sure you'll be fine. Like with all meat products, make sure to cook it well.

 

[njsweetP]

My intent was to cook it up the day I bought it (which I always do), but obviously didn't happen, that's why I'm sort of freaking out a little bit. This recipe calls for browning the meat and then adding it to the sauce and cooking it for 1.5 hours...should be ok then.

 

[SDSorority]

My intent was to cook it up the day I bought it (which I always do), but obviously didn't happen, that's why I'm sort of freaking out a little bit. This recipe calls for browning the meat and then adding it to the sauce and cooking it for 1.5 hours...should be ok then.

From what I understand you have a week to two weeks after the 'sell by' date to use any grocery product. I would imagine you're fine.... and we're vegetarians!

 

[brergnat]

From what I understand you have a week to two weeks after the 'sell by' date to use any grocery product. I would imagine you're fine.... and we're vegetarians!

This rule applies to dairy only (milk, yogurts, cheeses, etc).

Typically, sell by dates on MEAT mean you (the consumer) should use or freeze by that date, or up to 48 hours after that date. After that, the meat will start spoiling. As long as the meat isn't brown or gray on the outside, have a funky odor, or feel slimy, it's fine.

 

[Tistal]

From what I understand you have a week to two weeks after the 'sell by' date to use any grocery product. I would imagine you're fine.... and we're vegetarians!

I'd be terrified to even think about opening ground beef 2 weeks after the sell by date.

OP, you should be fine, but I wouldn't wait any longer to use it.

 

[Halbleib1]

As long as the meat does not smell bad you are fine. I have used ground beef well over a week after the sell by date and have never had any problems. I just cook it well. Ground beef is fine even after it has turned brown as long as it is not dried out and does not smell bad. Lighting is actually what causes it to turn brown not spoilage. Usually if you look you will find that it is only brown on the outside and the inside is still pink.

Yes they recommend that you use or freeze meat within 3 days but this is only a recommendation and does not mean that the meat will be bad that quickly.

 

[wtrmlnlabs]

As long as the meat does not smell bad you are fine. I have used ground beef well over a week after the sell by date and have never had any problems. I just cook it well.

Me too. I've done the same as you and felt the same... UGH forgot this was here, is it good?! I just make sure I cook it completely and use it as soon as I have noticed it was there... no problems.

 

[libraryfreak]

I remember my mom telling me, "if in doubt, throw it out." Thats what I would do.

 

[kelly1218]

I always throw a little bit into a frying pan...if it's bad...you smell it immediately. Ick.