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

Butterfly_Brain

I would happily cook it

HappyMJ

I'd cook it. I usually leave meat out overnight to defrost even though the advice is to defrost in fridge.

jackieblack

If you have a 'sensitive' stomach and need raw meat for your pets anyway then I'd be inclined to give it them.

The fact that you're unsure about it means you'll probably be a bit tense/stressed about eating it which could upset your stomach anyway, whether the meat is ok or not.
It won't be wasted if your animals eat it.

For myself, I'd cook and eat it.

RobotsinDisguse

i'd cook it.

But as I understand the issues of having an Iffy tummy, I would do what i was taught to do by my practically Victorian Grandmother...

wash it under cold running water, then sear the meat by frying, & ensure it is fully cooked by stewing etc. Back in her day she didn't have a fridge at home so meat had to be left overnight in the pantry & she was a cook in a big house during the war.

If I was worried I'd check it was cooked by using a meat thermometer (something i've only used since becomming pregnant and anxious)

Happygreen

Same here, I would definitely cook it. And I am the one in the house who does not compromise on food hygene when meat is concerned. Over the date and it's gone. But as yours had been frozen and out overnight, it should be safe.

hilstep2000

Yes, it'll be fine.

Chi-me

Thanks all,

Well, the news just in... the dog and cat have had lamb for brekkies. I opened the package and it was RANK! I practically yacked I donned rubber gloves and rinsed it under the cold tap but it was grey and manky smelling, rotting smell

I absolutely couldn't consider it. It was BBE of the day I bought it, hence YS and very cheap so the night out in our south facing kitchen after yesterday's warm weather probably did it no good at all. Happily the pets ate some and the rest is in the freezer for them another day

My own fault :mad: Now, what on Earth shall I cook for dinner tonight?:(

shop-to-drop

Genuine question as I've never had pets.

Can dogs eat off meat then without getting ill?

Chi-me

shop-to-drop wrote: »

Genuine question as I've never had pets.

Can dogs eat off meat then without getting ill?

Dogs digestive systems work much faster than human ones so any bacteria passes through before it can cause ill effects. Cat's on the other hand can become unwell but have highly tuned senses of smell and will refuse to eat 'bad' food. Both mine are on a raw meat diet and are thriving with beautiful white teeth too

Linda32

It would not have had a best before end date on the packet. It would have been use by and thats the reason why I am willing to bet that it was not good way before it started to smell. I am guessing its the bacteria which which smells which was not there until the meat started to spoil. Just confirms my view that use by dates are there for a very good reason and not to be sniffed at.

I bet youbcan guess I have nothing to do with yellow stickers in the fridge department, its just not worth the risk imho.