Because meatballs with a side of salmonella doesnt sound too appetizing.
Like most foods found on the perimeter of the supermarket, ground beef is super perishable.
It can go rancid quickly, so you dont want to wait too long to cook or freeze it.
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Here’s what you should probably know.
Refrigerate your leftovers within two hours of cooking to ensure they stay fresh.
At best, if you eat bad meat, you’ll experience a stomach ache.
But at worst, the consequences are much more dire.
Spoiled meat carries bacteria like salmonella and E. coli, which can cause food poisoning.
Avoid eating meat you even somewhat suspect is spoiled.
When in doubt, toss it out.
The most common symptoms of food poisoning are stomach pain/cramping, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever.
Here are the dead giveaways that your ground beef has spoiled and should be thrown out.
Fresh ground beef will have a bright red huealmost like a cherry.
It can also be burgundy or purplish if its been vacuum sealed.
If it looks funky, it probably is.
Leaner beef tends to have more because there’s less fat to bind to it.
Use this sign along with the others to get a clearer picture.
Dont ignore off-putting smells, and throw out any meat thats stinking up your refrigerator.
One of the cardinal rules of the kitchen is to always wash your hands before and after.
Check the Expiration Date
Generally speaking, you shouldnt eat meat past its expiration date.
Here are some tips so that it stays good until you’re ready for it.
If the meat is sealed, it may even look purple.
You want it to stay as cold as possible during transport.
Don’t forget to put a plate under it to catch any stray liquid that could contaminate other items.
Ground beef in its supermarket packaging will stay good for up to two weeks in the freezer.
Got longer-term plans for your ground beef?
Before freezing, put it in aheavy-duty plastic freezer bagor heavy-duty aluminum foil.
When stored this way, it can stay good for up to three to four months.
You should never leave ground beef at room temperature for more than two hours.
Food and Safety Inspection Service.Ground Beef and Food Safety.
Int J Environ Res Public Health.
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Water in Meat & Poultry.
Handwashing: a healthy habit in the kitchen.
Restaurant ground beef handling and cooking.
