Can you eat expired meat?
Quick Answer
No
Eating expired meat can lead to foodborne illness, especially if it has been stored improperly. It’s best to consume meat before its expiration date or properly freeze it for later use.
What Is It?
Expired meat refers to meat that has passed its ‘sell by’, ‘use by’ or ‘best before’ date indicated on its packaging.
How to Tell
- Change in color: Expired meat often turns gray or brown.
- Foul smell: Spoiled meat has a strong, unpleasant odor.
- Slimy texture: If the meat feels slimy even after washing, it’s likely expired.
Why It Can Be Risky
Consuming expired meat can pose several health risks, including:
- Food poisoning: This can cause symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps.
- Serious illnesses: Certain bacteria in spoiled meat, like Salmonella or E. coli, can lead to severe health conditions.
Safe Method?
To safely consume meat, ensure it’s cooked thoroughly and consumed before its expiration date. If you can’t consume it in time, freeze it properly.
Can You Just Cut It Off?
If meat has any signs of spoilage, such as a change in color, foul smell, or slimy texture, it’s best to discard it.
Safe Alternatives
If you’re unable to consume fresh meat before it expires, consider alternatives like canned meat, frozen meat, or plant-based proteins.
Storage Tips
Store meat in the coldest part of your refrigerator, usually the back.’, “Freeze meat if you won’t be able to consume it before its expiration date.”, “Keep meat in its original packaging until you’re ready to use it.”]
Preparation Tips
Always wash your hands before and after handling raw meat.’, ‘Use separate cutting boards for meat and other foods to avoid cross-contamination.’, ‘Cook meat to the recommended internal temperature to kill any harmful bacteria.