Can I eat meat after the "sell by" date?

Answer by  GeekBoy (146)

The "sell by" date is more for the grocery store's benefit than yours. That's the last date a product can be considered fresh for sales. A consumer may have a little more time to eat it. A "use by" date is more critical for consumer food safety.

Answer by  kiwee87 (141)

The "Sell by" date is not an expiration date. It will be safe to eat, just not very long afterwards.

Answer by  HelpfulMal (539)

As long as you cook it to the recommended internal temperature for whichever mean you're cooking, sense of smell is a safe bet.

Answer by  lea (68)

Generally unless frozen your meat will only stay fresh for up to 3 days from the sell by date. Your sense of smell is normally right on when it comes to telling if you should eat the meat that's been in your fridge, unless of course you have a cold and can't smell anything.

Answer by  Lindsay22 (39)

You should never eat meet that has gone past its 'sell by' date. Even if the meat smells okay to you, dangerous microbes inside the meat may have already begun to proliferate. Eating expired meat is a surefire way to get sick.

Answer by  Anonymous

I was once told by my Home Economics teacher when in doubt throw it out I live by that rule when it comes to food...