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  1. #1
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    Default meat - sell by date - when to use by?

    Does the meat sell by date also mean to use by that date?

    Bought ground meat on Sat 6/7 and sell by date is 6/8. Today is 6/10.

    Toss it?
    Rebecca
    DS 9/05
    DS 6/07

  2. #2
    o_mom is offline Pink Diamond level (15,000+ posts)
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    http://www.fsis.usda.gov/Factsheets/...ting/index.asp

    This says 1-2 days after the sell by date for ground meat. At this point, I would probably use it for tacos or something where I knew it would be cooked very well done. I probably wouldn't use it for hamburgers where it might be medium or slightly less done.
    Mama to three boys ('03, '05, '07)

  3. #3
    Tondi G is offline Red Diamond level (10,000+ posts)
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    I agree with the PP... I would use it for something where you know it will be cooked through... tacos, Meat sauce for spaghetti etc.

  4. #4
    LarsMal is offline Diamond level (5000+ posts)
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    Whenever I call my mom and ask her about this she always says the same thing, "It's good for a few days after the 'sell by' date, but smell it. If it doesn't smell right, don't use it."

    So that's what I do. At first I didn't know what it was/wasn't supposed to smell like, until I opened ground turkey one time and it just had a weird, faint odor to it, so I tossed it.

  5. #5
    calv is offline Ruby level (4000+ posts)
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    Quote Originally Posted by rebeccaravit
    Does the meat sell by date also mean to use by that date?

    Bought ground meat on Sat 6/7 and sell by date is 6/8. Today is 6/10.

    Toss it?
    so i'm curious about frozen meat that has gone past the date. I buy a lot of stuff in bulk and freeze it long past the sell by date.

  6. #6
    HIU8 is offline Red Diamond level (10,000+ posts)
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    If you freeze it right away you should be able to use it anytime. I freeze it and then when I go to use it, I defrost in the microwave and cook immediately (I don't let it sit out to thaw).
    Heather

    DS 2004
    DD 2007

  7. #7
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    Update:
    It smelled fine, so I made small burgers for the kids which tasted fine. DH and I are eating burgers tonight from the meat.

    As for freezing, meat keeps in the fridge for months. For ground meat, I buy in bulk and freeze in smaller portions. I wrap the portions in Press and Seal wrap and then put into a ziploc. There is no freezer burn with the Press and Seal. Take out a day or two before you need it and defrost in the fridge.
    Rebecca
    DS 9/05
    DS 6/07

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