We’d like to remind Forumites to please avoid political debate on the Forum.

This is to keep it a safe and useful space for MoneySaving discussions. Threads that are – or become – political in nature may be removed in line with the Forum’s rules. Thank you for your understanding.

PLEASE READ BEFORE POSTING

Hello Forumites! However well-intentioned, for the safety of other users we ask that you refrain from seeking or offering medical advice. This includes recommendations for medicines, procedures or over-the-counter remedies. Posts or threads found to be in breach of this rule will be removed.
📨 Have you signed up to the Forum's new Email Digest yet? Get a selection of trending threads sent straight to your inbox daily, weekly or monthly!

Archive:Quick Questions on food safety / sell by / use by dates

1252628303196

Comments

  • *Maya*
    *Maya* Posts: 317 Forumite
    sturll wrote: »
    This week i will be cooking the following meats and will let each cool before refrigerating, how long will the following be safe;

    Chicken
    Beef (cooked medium well)
    Turkey
    Pork

    Secondly, can each be reheated? For example if i cook a big joint of beef and refrigerate it. Then the following day take a few slices and pour hot gravy on it will it be insufficiently heated?

    I feel this will help several people so advice would be greatly appreciated.

    Thanks

    I would only keep them for a maximum of 3 days but they all freeze well.. As for reheating, it would be better to reheat the meat in the gravy rather than just serve cold meat and hot gravy. ;)
    :)
  • Pink.
    Pink. Posts: 17,648 Forumite
    10,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    Hi sturll,

    I would only keep cooked meat in the fridge for a maximum of three days. It's important to chill it quickly after cooking and refridgerate it as soon as possible once chilled.

    Each of the meats you mentioned can be reheated but I would reheat it thoroughly until it's piping hot. I don't think pouring gravy over it would be enough to heat it through.

    The danger zone for bacteria growth is when the meat is being cooled and reheated, so that's why it's important to cool and reheat it quickly and thoroughly.

    There's an earlier thread with lots of hints and tips on food safety:

    Quick Questions on food safety / sell by / use by dates

    I'll add your thread to that one later to keep the replies together.

    Pink
  • sturll
    sturll Posts: 2,582 Forumite
    1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    Thanks, sorry to be a pain but are we saying that once i cook the meat i can then freeze it?
  • *Maya*
    *Maya* Posts: 317 Forumite
    sturll wrote: »
    Thanks, sorry to be a pain but are we saying that once i cook the meat i can then freeze it?

    Yes. ;)......
    :)
  • sturll
    sturll Posts: 2,582 Forumite
    1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    Thankyou :D
  • *Maya*
    *Maya* Posts: 317 Forumite
    You're welcome. Have a lovely Christmas. :grin:
    :)
  • Pink.
    Pink. Posts: 17,648 Forumite
    10,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    sturll wrote: »
    Thanks, sorry to be a pain but are we saying that once i cook the meat i can then freeze it?

    You aren't being a pain! :D Meat can be frozen safely, once while it's raw and then once after it's been defrosted and cooked.

    Pink
  • sturll wrote: »
    Thanks, sorry to be a pain but are we saying that once i cook the meat i can then freeze it?

    If you're eating it in portions, carve it and bag up enough for one portion (or two, or however many makes sense for your circumstances) and freeze them separately. You could even freeze a few slices of beef (for example) with the gravy already on it - the liquid will help the meat maintain moistness in the freezer.

    And don't forget to label them :-)
  • telboyo wrote: »
    Some people reckon that meat that has been "hung" for a month or more is better, does any one know at waht temperature meat should be hung?

    That only applies to joints, as meat that is chopped or minced has gained heat during the process, and therefore is at a bigger risk or having higher bacteria levels (also it has a larger surface area).
    A waist is a terrible thing to mind.
  • hi
    thanks , but i've put it in the freezer just in case. I find some time to do it on christmas eve morning.
    better to be safe.
    Grocery Challenge Feb 14 £500 / Spent £572.10!
    March 14 £500 / spent £488.45 :j
This discussion has been closed.
Meet your Ambassadors

🚀 Getting Started

Hi new member!

Our Getting Started Guide will help you get the most out of the Forum

Categories

  • All Categories
  • 351.8K Banking & Borrowing
  • 253.4K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
  • 454K Spending & Discounts
  • 244.7K Work, Benefits & Business
  • 600.2K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
  • 177.3K Life & Family
  • 258.4K Travel & Transport
  • 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
  • 16.2K Discuss & Feedback
  • 37.6K Read-Only Boards

Is this how you want to be seen?

We see you are using a default avatar. It takes only a few seconds to pick a picture.