Are Meats on ‘Clearance’ Safe To Eat?
When shopping for clothes, the clearance rack is a great place to find items from last season but still in perfect condition. Similarly, food on clearance is typically priced lower because it’s close to its expiration date. Unlike clothes, however, food can spoil, and the bargain may not be worth the risk. While produce on sale can be ideal for making apple crisp or banana cake, discounted meat may pose more of a challenge. But don’t worry; you just need to know what to watch out for.
No Expiration Dates
First off, it’s important to know that meat packaging is not required to have expiration dates. Companies usually add ‘sell by,’ ‘best by,’ and ‘use by’ dates instead. But these are not the same as expiration dates you typically see on milk or other perishable goods. The reason is that it’s difficult to predict meat’s shelf life due to various factors like preparation, packaging, storage, and shipping. Since there’s no strict rule for how long meat lasts, it’s up to both the shop manager and the consumer to decide if the meat is still good.
What Do Quality Dates Mean?
‘Sell by’ dates are mainly for retailers to know when to put older products in the front of the display case. These items often get marked down when new shipments are about to arrive. ‘Best by’ and ‘use by’ dates, on the other hand, are more about the meat’s quality. Stores don’t want you judging their products based on those close to these dates since they may not be as fresh. However, as long as the packaging is airtight and there are no leaks, the meat is usually still safe to eat. It’s a trade-off: a little less quality for a better price.
How to Check Meat on Clearance
The quality of meat depends on multiple factors like packaging, temperature, and the length of time on the shelf. Therefore, it’s crucial to know how to distinguish fresh meat from one that’s going bad. Bright red meat indicates freshness, but browning or graying inside doesn’t necessarily mean it’s spoiled—it could just be lacking exposure to oxygen. However, if discoloration appears on the outside, it’s starting to rot and may still be safe to eat.
Signs of spoiling include sliminess, stickiness, mushiness, and a strong foul odor. If you notice any of these, it’s best to avoid that piece of meat.
How to Check Poultry on Clearance
Raw poultry should look light pink with white fat. The shade of pink may slightly vary. However, gray or green flesh and yellow fat indicate spoilage. Like meat, if the poultry is sticky, slimy, mushy, or has a foul odor, it’s gone bad. If you see any mold growth or other signs of rotting, throw the entire piece out.
Storing Expiring Meat
Proper storage is key for all meat and poultry, especially those on clearance. Ensure that the products are in secure, airtight, and non-leaking packaging and store them below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Cook the meat as soon as possible or freeze it immediately. When thawing, do it in the fridge and use it within two days. If you forget to defrost, you can cook the meat while it’s still frozen; just remember to extend the cooking time.
