How long is meat good after the sell by date?

Answer 1

"Sell-By" dates are a guide for retailers. Although many products bear "Sell-By" dates, product dating is not a Federal requirement. While these dates are helpful to the retailer, they are reliable only if the food has been kept at proper temperature during storage and handling. USDA suggests that consumers cook or freeze ground beef within 2 days after purchase for maximum quality.

Sell-by dates ARE law, Nobody is allowed to sell a product that is passed its sell by date,

the sell by date is there for a reason depending on each individual products ability to produce harmful bacteria over a certain period of time. Although a product may smell or look good that does not mean that it is.

The dates should be followed or the expense of toilet roll may be more!!!

charley says;

Sell by dates are set by the manufacturer with guidelines by the USDA. The shorter sell by dates usually require higher prices as they guarantee freshness. Yes, it must be sold by this date because it is a guarantee by the manufacturer for freshness. That is why often the price is reduced to remove the product from the shelf before expiration or it must be frozen and sold for another quality of meat and it happens often. Usually done at the butcher plant storage facility.

Because the USDA has guidelines and the manufacturer may use these dates or a lessor date. They make a general statement for the consumer to freeze it within days of getting it if not consumed. As meat will spoil if not frozen and one can smell/taste meat going rotten. Provided one has the ability to smell or taste and this is not a reliable measurement.

Meat can be frozen and thawed and is just fine as long as the thawing process does not expose the meat to temperatures above forty degrees. Freezing and thawing will make meat more tender but lose freshness or taste.

Answer 2

forever