How do you know if the food in your refrigerator, which has an expiration date on it, can still be used by you for a safe meal?
It is often confusing about how long it is safe to eat an item after the “sell by date”. I understand that it is defined for the store retailer. I know to purchase the freshest item. What should I do if I purchased the item long before the “sell by date” – but I did not use it – Now what?
Lindsay Backer, a registered dietitian and food safety expert advises that if it is meat, it is not recommended to go much beyond the sell by date. The U.S Department of Agriculture (USDA) advises to use or freeze beef, veal, pork, and lamb products with a “Sell-By” date within 3 to 5 days of purchase. Fresh chicken, turkey, ground meat, and ground poultry should be cooked or frozen within 1 to 2 days of purchase.
Web MD has other recommendations that we can use to help us decipher how to manage getting the best freshness from our food purchases and making sure not to waste the food we buy.
* “Best if used by (or before)” date:
Refers to quality not safety.
* “Use by” date: Last date at peak quality (by manufacturer).
* Milk is ok up to one week after “Sell By” date.
* Eggs purchased before “Sell By” date are ok 3-5 weeks after.
The COVID19 – Pandemic has affected us all in how we will lead our lives post Coronavirus. In addition, we senior citizens are being confronted with new methods in order to manage how we live going forward. Major changes have occurred in attending to our healthcare and well-being needs physically, socially, and mentally. To protect our health, Telehealth is a solution, which allows us to see the doctor without visiting their office.
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February is a great time to celebrate Valentine’s Day, and being grateful for the love in our lives. It’s also Heart Awareness Month. Yes! As a Brave Heart survivor of open heart surgery of almost 25 years, this is an issue close to my heart 😊 (pun intended).