Instead, a sell-by date is based on the assumption that consumers would consume or freeze the goods within a reasonable amount of time following purchase. According to the USDA, this should take three to five days for beef. It is thus entirely safe to prepare steak that has passed its sell-by date, or even a few days after it has passed its sell-by date.
Make use of or freeze meat items with a ″Sell-By″ date that are purchased within 3 to 5 days of the date on the package. It is best to prepare or freeze fresh chicken or turkey within 1 to 2 days of purchasing it, as well as ground beef and ground poultry.
How long does steak last in the refrigerator?
Steak should be refrigerated for 3 to 5 days after purchase; the ″sell-by″ date printed on the box may expire within that storage time, but the steak will be safe to consume after the sell-by date if it has been stored correctly.
What does it mean if a steak is past its expiration date?
Instead, they are meant to inform you as to how long the product will remain its highest level of quality. For example, if you have a steak that is a day or two over its expiration date, there is a good possibility that you will be able to prepare and consume it. Over a number of days, the fresh, red hue of any steak will begin to fade and turn brown.
How long is beef good after sell by date?
What is the shelf life of beef? Fresh beef will keep for 1-2 days after it has passed its ″sell-by″ date, but there are additional factors to consider. The shelf life of beef is determined by a number of factors, including the sell-by date, the manner of preparation, and how the beef was stored in the first place.