Do you follow Use by and Sell by Dates, and other food safety issues

Bongedone

Once cooked it should be good for another three days.

Sarahsaver

I am trying to steer away from getting any fresh produce from supermarkets and using butchers for meat and the market/veg box for fruit and veg.
One added hidden advantage is NO sell by dates on stuff!

yep they WILL be ok for a few days if they are cooked.

jkmum

Thanks for all the replies. To be honest I'd never given it a thought before, I've always just made sure I've cooked or frozen before the use by date. I just panicked today because I'm serving to guests not family!

20000RPM

I think a lot of stuff is thrown away needlessly because of overly cautious use by dates. My dad's always being told off by my mum for eating stuff that's past its date. I'm happy to continue this tradition, but I agree it's sometimes a bit of a guess with some meat, especially the stuff that's been packed in a polystyrene tray: it smells bad from day one.

dannie

Thanks for the replies. I've opened one of the paneer meals and it smells okay but that's based upon the herbs and spices. So what do you think, have it or not? Are the general guidelines for best before dates applicable to vacuum packed meals too? Considering that it is dairy are there any further safety issues?

Penelope_Penguin

dannie wrote: »

Thanks for the replies. I've opened one of the paneer meals and it smells okay but that's based upon the herbs and spices. So what do you think, have it or not? Are the general guidelines for best before dates applicable to vacuum packed meals too? Considering that it is dairy are there any further safety issues?

Without being able to see, smell and taste the meal, none of us will be able to give you an answer, sorry

Best before dates are advisory, and you need to make up your own mind as to whether it's fit to eat.

Be sure to sign in tomorrow so that we know you're OK

orchid-96

Hi, I bought a free range chicken yesterday but left it at work in the fridge (meant to bring it home and freeze it)...anyway have got it today and thought I would cook it, but it has a use by date of yesterday...

It has a bit of a smell to it (not overly strong though)...I have put it in the oven but am unsure of whether I should use it...it seems a real waste if I just bin it...what do you guys think?

ClaireLR

If it smells I wouldn't personally eat it. If it didn't then I would.

orchid-96

It didn't smell much, really just a bit of a smell like you get in a butchers shop - also i was thinking as it is free range it might have a bit more of a smell to it - it is cooking now and the cooking smell is normal...think I will give it a go (if it tastes ok when cooked)

Any other comments welcome

SPANIEL36

if the date was only yesterday and its been kept chilled then i'd use it. i wouldn't use it more than one day over the date though