When Food REALLY Expires & Safe Food Storage 411
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Clarifying Food Expiration Dates & Common Food Storage Guidelines
We've all asked the question, "Is this food still safe to eat?" Or, "Is this food too old to cook?" Like that leftover pizza that has been sitting on the counter for 5 or 6 (or more) hours yet, we still eat it. It's a bit like the "5 second rule" when food falls on the floor...we sometimes take a chance and eat it anyway. It's easy to ignore what we can't see with the naked eye. We can't see bacteria and sometimes mold is even hard to detect. Though, our sense of smell usually doesn't deceive us. If it smells bad but looks fine, no go. But what if it smells and looks fine? That is where questioning comes into play.
The information I provide here will clarify what expiration dates, sell-by dates and other terms really mean. I will also expound to you when it's safe to ignore and when not to ignore expiration dates. I have also provided a list of many common foods' shelf, refrigerator and freezer storage guidelines and information for those with Celiac Disease, Gluten or wheat allergies.
The information I provide here will clarify what expiration dates, sell-by dates and other terms really mean. I will also expound to you when it's safe to ignore and when not to ignore expiration dates. I have also provided a list of many common foods' shelf, refrigerator and freezer storage guidelines and information for those with Celiac Disease, Gluten or wheat allergies.
What You'll Find Here:
- Explaining "Sell-By" & "Use-By" Dates
- "Best Before" & "Best if Used-By" Dates
- What is a "Packaging Code" on Products?
- Take This Quick Food Poll!
- Safe Food Storage For the Most Common Foods
- Meat Safety
- Chicken Safety
- Food Safety Related Lenses
- Is That Egg Fresh?
- Egg Safety & Shelf Life
- How to Peel a Hard-Boiled Egg With Ease
- Top Selling Food Savers
- Vacuum-Packed, Deli Foods, & TV Dinners
- Freezing Soups & Stews
- If Something Smells Fishy
- Gluten Free Needs
- Find Nutrition Facts Here
- Common Food Questions Answered Here!
- Useful Kitchen Tools & Gadgets!
- Freezing & Refrigeration Facts to Know
- Unique Food-Related Gifts!!
- A Fun Video About Safe Food Handling
- Blogs: From the Mouths of Eaters
- Please Let Me Know You Stopped By!
Explaining "Sell-By" & "Use-By" Dates
Most perishable foods like seafood, milk/dairy and meat contain a "Sell-by" date. This is a tool for the store to know how long they can continue to sell the item. What this means to you is that you should purchase the product before the sell-by date. However, as long as you follow the safe storage recommendations, you can still store it at home for a certain period of time after that date. (You can also often get a discount on items in which its sell-by date is nearing. It will usually be labeled "Managers Special" or something of the like. Click here to see more on ways to save money on everything!) 
It's still safe to buy and either cook that night or the following night or simply stick it in the freezer right when you get home from the store. The stores just have to get it off their sell display. If you notice, most stores do not display items such as meat, fish and poultry frozen. It is highly refrigerated but not frozen. Hint Hint!
Example: Ground beef can be stored in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 days after purchase even if the sell-by date expires. Milk can usually remain safe as long as it has been continuously refrigerated for about a week after its sell-by date. (Just do the sniff test to be sure.)
It's still safe to buy and either cook that night or the following night or simply stick it in the freezer right when you get home from the store. The stores just have to get it off their sell display. If you notice, most stores do not display items such as meat, fish and poultry frozen. It is highly refrigerated but not frozen. Hint Hint!
Example: Ground beef can be stored in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 days after purchase even if the sell-by date expires. Milk can usually remain safe as long as it has been continuously refrigerated for about a week after its sell-by date. (Just do the sniff test to be sure.)
"Best Before" & "Best if Used-By" Dates
Fugeda'bout it! Pass the Ketchup!
Products such as peanut butter and shelf-based condiments often contain these dates provided by the manufacturer voluntarily. It is really not a health related safety date, but a date to alert you as to how long the product will be at its best quality. Generally, you can still use the product as long as it has been stored properly. If the "best used-by" date has expired, simply test it by smell and taste. Some items may result in small changes to texture, flavor or coloring after the best-by date expires but that doesn't mean it is no longer consumable and just as tasty and safe. This is especially true if the product has never been opened or unsealed. For instance, mayonnaise can be stored for some time but refrigerate after opening. It can be kept opened in the refrigerator for at least 2 months."Expires On" Date- That Alien Looking Language
Here's the one you definitely need to obey. You will most likely see this type of date on infant/baby formula and baby food. Those are the only products the federal government (U.S.) regulates mandatory dating. Never go beyond the "Expires On" date.
What is a "Packaging Code" on Products?
"XnWK460-003-97rs" Whahhh??
Ignore them. How can you not? Might as well show an image of a crop circle. Don't waste your time trying to figure out its meaning. These codes are a made up of a series of numbers and/or letters on the packaging and sometimes indicate the date or time of production. However, more often, they just appear as meaningless hodgepodge. Packaging codes are mainly an aid for grocers and manufacturers to rotate their stock and to quickly locate a product in case it is recalled. They have nothing to do with food quality or safety.
Take This Quick Food Poll!
Remember, Be HONEST!!
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Safe Food Storage For the Most Common Foods
Guidelines
Foods are safe when frozen at 0 degrees F (-18 degrees C) indefinitely but this guideline is for recommended storage for quality only.The following is a guideline for the most common foods within a household. We often question these products, so I have put together this list. I will continue to add more and if you have a suggestion, please leave me a comment!
Key Code
R = Refrigerator and F = Freezer
Let's Get Started With The List!
Meat Safety
Fresh Meat (Lamb, Veal, Pork & Beef)
Steak- R= 3 to 5 days F= 6 to 12 months
Chops R= 3 to 5 days F= 4 to 6 months
Roasts R= 3 to 5 days F= 4 to 12 months
Any Variety of meats (i.e. tongue, kidneys, liver, heart chitterlings)
R=1 to 2 days F=3 to 4 months
Meat Leftovers
Cooked meat and meat dishes R= 3 to 4 days F= 2 to 3 months
Gravy and meat broth R= 1 to 2 days F= 2 to 3 months
Raw Stew meat, ground or hamburger
Stew meat & hamburger R= 1 to 2 days F= 3 to 4 months
Ground turnkey, pork, lamb or veal R= 1 to 2 days F= 3 to 4 months
Hot Dogs & Lunch Meats (all Freezer or "F" meaning in freezer wrap)
Opened package of hot dogs- R= 1 week F= 1 to 2 months
Unopened package- R= 2 weeks F= 1 to 2 months
Lunch meats- Unopened- 2 weeks F= 1 to 2 months
Lunch meats- Opened- R= 3 to 5 days F= 1 to 2 months
Sausage & Bacon
Bacon R= 7 days F=1 month
Sausage (raw from pork, beef, chicken or turkey) R= 1 to 2 days F= 1 to 2 months
Summer sausage labeled "keep refrigerated" and unopened R= 3 months F= 1 to 2 months
Summer sausage labeled "keep refrigerated" and unopened R= 3 weeks F= 1 to 2 months
Smoked breakfast patties or links R= 7 days F= 1 to 2 months
Ham & Corned Beef
Corned beef in pouch with pickling juices- R= 5 to 7 days F= drained, 1 month
Canned Ham labeled "Keep Refrigerated," unopened-
R= 6 to 9 months F= DO NOT FREEZE
Canned Ham labeled "Keep Refrigerated," opened-
R=3 to 5 days F= 1 to 2 months
Fully Cooked Ham (whole) R=7 days F=1 to 2 months
Fully Cooked Ham (half) R= 3 to 5 days F= 1 to 2 months
Fully Cooked Ham (Slices) R= 3 to 4 days F= 1 to 2 months
Steak- R= 3 to 5 days F= 6 to 12 months
Chops R= 3 to 5 days F= 4 to 6 months
Roasts R= 3 to 5 days F= 4 to 12 months
Any Variety of meats (i.e. tongue, kidneys, liver, heart chitterlings)
R=1 to 2 days F=3 to 4 months
Meat Leftovers
Cooked meat and meat dishes R= 3 to 4 days F= 2 to 3 months
Gravy and meat broth R= 1 to 2 days F= 2 to 3 months
Raw Stew meat, ground or hamburger
Stew meat & hamburger R= 1 to 2 days F= 3 to 4 months
Ground turnkey, pork, lamb or veal R= 1 to 2 days F= 3 to 4 months
Hot Dogs & Lunch Meats (all Freezer or "F" meaning in freezer wrap)
Opened package of hot dogs- R= 1 week F= 1 to 2 months
Unopened package- R= 2 weeks F= 1 to 2 months
Lunch meats- Unopened- 2 weeks F= 1 to 2 months
Lunch meats- Opened- R= 3 to 5 days F= 1 to 2 months
Sausage & Bacon
Bacon R= 7 days F=1 month
Sausage (raw from pork, beef, chicken or turkey) R= 1 to 2 days F= 1 to 2 months
Summer sausage labeled "keep refrigerated" and unopened R= 3 months F= 1 to 2 months
Summer sausage labeled "keep refrigerated" and unopened R= 3 weeks F= 1 to 2 months
Smoked breakfast patties or links R= 7 days F= 1 to 2 months
Ham & Corned Beef
Corned beef in pouch with pickling juices- R= 5 to 7 days F= drained, 1 month
Canned Ham labeled "Keep Refrigerated," unopened-
R= 6 to 9 months F= DO NOT FREEZE
Canned Ham labeled "Keep Refrigerated," opened-
R=3 to 5 days F= 1 to 2 months
Fully Cooked Ham (whole) R=7 days F=1 to 2 months
Fully Cooked Ham (half) R= 3 to 5 days F= 1 to 2 months
Fully Cooked Ham (Slices) R= 3 to 4 days F= 1 to 2 months
Chicken Safety
Chicken nuggets or patties R= 1 to 2 days F= 1 to 3 monthsFried Chicken R= 3 to 4 days F= 4 months
Cooked poultry dishes R= 3 to 4 days F= 4 to 6 months
Plain chicken pieces R= 3 to 4 days F= 4 months
Gravy or broth covered chicken R= 1 to 2 days F= 6 months
Fresh Poultry
Whole chicken or turkey R= 1 to 2 days F=1 year
Chicken or turkey (parts) R= 1 to 2 days F= 9 months
Giblets R= 1 to 2 days F= 3 to 4 months
(photo courtesy: 2Suma7)
Food Safety Related Lenses
Learn More About Food Safety From Other Squidooers!
I recommend these lenses for more/further insight and info!
Is That Egg Fresh?
Use a Simple "Fresh Egg Test"
We've all wondered at some time if the eggs in the fridge are still good. Instead of guessing and possibly eating a yucky egg, submerge the egg(s) in a bowl of cool water. If the egg sinks to the bottom and lies flat on its side, it's FRESH! When an egg is a week old, the big end will tilt upward in the bowl (because the internal air pocket near the big end has expanded.) If an egg is closer to 4 weeks old, it will sit straight up underwater. Always remember: if an egg floats, don't eat it.
Egg Safety & Shelf Life
Don't wash Farm-Fresh eggs before storing them. Wait until you're ready to use them, then wash thoroughly. Also, don't forget to wash your hands after handling eggs.So, how long do eggs remain good?
Fresh eggs in shell R= 4 to 5 weeks F= Do not freeze
Raw yolks and whites R= 2 to 4 days F= 1 year
Hard cooked R= 1 week F= not recommended
Liquid pasteurized eggs or egg substitutes- opened R= 3 days F= Don't Freeze
Liquid pasteurized eggs or egg substitutes- unopened R=10 days F= 1 year
How to Peel a Hard-Boiled Egg With Ease
Fresh eggs are yummy but they can be difficult to peel when hard-boiled. The secret to easy egg peeling is using steam! Bring a little water to a boil in a pan. Set the eggs in a steamer basket for about 20 minutes. Cool and peel. Simple!
Top Selling Food Savers
Vacuum-Packed, Deli Foods, & TV Dinners
Store-prepared or homemade products such as tuna, ham, macaroni salad, eggs and chicken can be safely stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days but these products do not freeze well.
Frozen casseroles and TV Dinners can be safely stored in the freezer for 3 to 4 months. These products should be kept frozen until ready to cook.
Frozen casseroles and TV Dinners can be safely stored in the freezer for 3 to 4 months. These products should be kept frozen until ready to cook.
Be sure to refrigerate food within 2 hours of cooking it.
Freezing Soups & Stews
Freezing soup and stews is a great time saver and many busy families do this.Vegetable or meat-added and mixtures of the sort: R= 3 to 4 days F= 2 to 3 months
If Something Smells Fishy
Storing Fish
Just remember the rule of thumb: If it smells "fishy" it's probably no good. Toss it or you may be tossing something after you eat it! Eeeew!~Fresh shrimp, crawfish, squid & scallops:
R= 1 to 2 days F= 6 months
~Fatty fish: R= 1 to 2 days F= 2 to 3 months
~Lean fish: R=1 to 2 days F= 6 months
~Cooked fish: R= 3 to 4 days F= 4 to 6 months
~Smoked fish: R= 14 days F= 2 months
~Canned seafood (i.e. tuna, sardines) In pantry: 5 years
R= 3 to 4 days (after opening) F= 2 months (out of can)
Gluten Free Needs
Great info for Celiac Disease, Wheat or Gluten Allergies
Gluten Free Trina Book Series
My husband has Celiac Disease which makes his system intolerant to gluten. Gluten is in SO many commercially made products, especially the everyday things like bread, common cereals, pasta, crackers, beer, cookies, cake and pizza.
The Trina Book Series is a BIG HELP! It includes the Basics of Living Gluten Free- The first Healing Stages and other food substitutions plus Menus & The Gluten Free Encyclopedia
About 100's of foods you can eat, ingredients, food labels, foods to avoid, plus make your own mixes and save time & money!
This book also includes Easy, Healthy & Delicious recipes, with lots of valuable information on how to start out on a Gluten Free Diet and not feel deprived!
I highly recommend this (and all) the books in this series, especially ENCYCLOPEDIA - FOODS YOU CAN EAT
It explains foods you can eat, those to avoid and those that can be questionable on labels. This encyclopedia contains information about nutritional values etc. A great guide that is perfect for just starting out on a Gluten Free diet or for a quick reference and refresher for a Gluten-Free veteran!
There is much more available, too. Check it out!! Click Here to see!
Perfect for anyone with or anyone you know with Celiac Disease, wheat or gluten allergies.
My husband has Celiac Disease which makes his system intolerant to gluten. Gluten is in SO many commercially made products, especially the everyday things like bread, common cereals, pasta, crackers, beer, cookies, cake and pizza.
The Trina Book Series is a BIG HELP! It includes the Basics of Living Gluten Free- The first Healing Stages and other food substitutions plus Menus & The Gluten Free Encyclopedia
About 100's of foods you can eat, ingredients, food labels, foods to avoid, plus make your own mixes and save time & money!
This book also includes Easy, Healthy & Delicious recipes, with lots of valuable information on how to start out on a Gluten Free Diet and not feel deprived!
I highly recommend this (and all) the books in this series, especially ENCYCLOPEDIA - FOODS YOU CAN EAT
It explains foods you can eat, those to avoid and those that can be questionable on labels. This encyclopedia contains information about nutritional values etc. A great guide that is perfect for just starting out on a Gluten Free diet or for a quick reference and refresher for a Gluten-Free veteran!
There is much more available, too. Check it out!! Click Here to see!
Perfect for anyone with or anyone you know with Celiac Disease, wheat or gluten allergies.
Find Nutrition Facts Here
- Find Nutrition Info and Facts Here!
- Nutri-facts.com Look up Nutrition Facts, Food Labels, Diet, Fitness, Exercise, Health, etc.
Food Labels, Diet, Fitness, Exercise, Health, etc.
Search Foods
Browse Foods Bulletin Board
Food Labels Diets
Links
Body Mass Index Calorie Intake
Common Food Questions Answered Here!
Q: "Should You Store Bread on the Counter or in the Fridge?"A: The counter is definitely the better place for your bread. Refrigerated bread will dry out and become stale much faster than bread stored at room temperature. Consider freezing bread if you need longer-term storage.
Q: "Is Yogurt Still Safe After the Sell-By Date?"
A: Most likely it is. As long as it has been properly stored, yogurt will generally remain safe for at least 7 to 10 days after the sell-by date on the package. Just be sure there is no foul odor or mold and the container has remained properly sealed.
Q: "Should You Store Tomatoes in the Fridge?"
A: You can, but it is not your best option. You should always store tomatoes at room temperature until they're fully ripe. When your tomatoes are fully ripe, shelf life can be extend for 2 to 3 more days by placing them in the fridge. If you've cut into a whole tomato, you should refrigerate any leftovers right away.
Useful Kitchen Tools & Gadgets!
Freezing & Refrigeration Facts to Know
**The safest temperature to keep your refrigerator at is 40 degrees F (4 degrees C.)
**Keep poultry and other meat in its original packaging until use.
**When freezing meat and poultry in its original package for more than 2 months, enclose it with airtight, heavy duty foil, freezer paper or plastic wrap. You can also place the package into a plastic bag.
Unique Food-Related Gifts!!
Know a chef? Is Mom or Dad a great cook? Check these out!!
My Daddy Is A Chef Toddler T-Shirt
My daddy is a chef. Baby apparel and gifts. T-shirts, teddy bears, bibs and other gifts. Great idea for a new baby or baby shower.
I Love My Food Scientist Women's Cap Sleeve T-Shir
I Love My Food Scientist t-shirts, stickers and clothing.
Future Butcher Bumper Sticker
You, a child or friend will be a Butcher in the future. Show them some support with our Future Butcher t-shirts, stickers, apparel and gifts.
Blogs: From the Mouths of Eaters
- 11 Surprising Foods You Can Freeze (PHOTOS)
- So often we find ourselves throwing out withered, rotten or spoiled food that could have been salvaged with just a little bit of forethought. You know that half used can of tomato paste? You can freeze that. And the quarter of a glass left in that ...
- Hurricane preparation includes applying for disaster food aid
- Typically after a disaster, the federal government temporarily raises the income ceiling for its emergency food-stamp program, making moderate-income families eligible for help buying groceries due to lost wages or food that spoiled in freezers and ...
- Sioux Nation Superstore Claims Spoiled-Meat Problems Fixed
- By Stephanie Woodard May 16, 2012 Richard Whitmarsh, director of Sioux Nation Superstore, in Pine Ridge, South Dakota, has responded publicly to charges of spoiled-meat sales that closed down first the store's meat department on Friday, May 4, ...
- The Wild Game Co. Wins Young British Foodie Award 2012 – Best Street Food
- It's great that people have faith in British food. I was brought up on it in the Highlands, literally spoiled on wild venison, game and seafood...so its incredible to be able to be here today showcasing the quality of produce we have in Britain.
Please Let Me Know You Stopped By!
Comments, Stories, Suggestions, Feedback?
A rating, lensroll or comment is always appreciated, too!
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familystorykeeper
May 25, 2012 @ 1:20 am | delete
- Thanks for the information to help decide if food is safe to eat.
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OUTFOXprevention May 21, 2012 @ 4:15 pm | delete
- Great lens about food safety! This is a pertinent topic for everyday cooking.
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RiaB
Mar 22, 2012 @ 7:48 am | delete
- Nice Lens! Thanks for posting this. I was looking for this very topic! Good work! =)
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RiaB
Mar 22, 2012 @ 7:48 am | delete
- Nice Lens! Thanks for posting this. I was looking for this very topic! Good work! =)
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Prepperdad
Dec 21, 2011 @ 9:44 pm | delete
- Thanks for the good information. (by the way, I once ate a Whopper in college that sat out on my dorm dresser all evening and the next morning before eating for lunch.... I lived... Not sure how...)
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sanji123
Jan 25, 2011 @ 2:04 am | delete
- I think you just add the powdered ingredients and the sugar directly to the water, add some ice and blend. That should do the trick. Here are som food storage tips - food storage guidelines
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Oct 2, 2009 @ 9:33 pm | delete
- Wonderful and informative lens :) I think people should always be careful with the way they store food to keep it fresh and always look at the expiration date of canned and processed food. That's very important :)
I faved it and gave it a 5* ^_^
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WhiteOak50
Aug 9, 2009 @ 7:14 am | delete
- My husband and I debate over this all of the time. I hate wasting food but being a stock piler, sometimes I slip and let items expire-my husband says it is okay to use but there are certain products I just will not use after the expiration date. Very good lens! Thank you for adding it the Kitchen!
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TrackFoodStorage
Jul 31, 2009 @ 10:49 am | delete
- Hey! Great information, thanks for posting : )
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JackieL59
Apr 24, 2009 @ 8:02 pm | delete
- I always wondered about how long I can freeze ground beef and chicken. Super information here!
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