Is meat bad 2 days after sale date?

The "Sell By" Date:

* Not an Expiration Date: The "sell by" date tells the store how long to display the meat for sale.

* Quality Assurance: It's about the meat's peak freshness and quality, not about safety.

* Safe After Date: Meat is usually safe to eat for a few days after the "sell by" date if stored properly.

Factors that affect safety:

* Storage: The most important factor! Keep meat refrigerated at 40°F (4°C) or below.

* Type of Meat: Ground meat spoils faster than whole cuts.

* Packaging: If packaging is damaged or has leaked, the meat is more likely to spoil.

* Your Sensory Check: Smell, look, and feel the meat.

* If it has an off odor, is slimy, or has a color change (especially graying), discard it.

General Guidelines:

* Whole cuts of beef, pork, and lamb: 3-5 days past the "sell by" date.

* Ground meat: 1-2 days past the "sell by" date.

* Poultry: 1-2 days past the "sell by" date.

Always err on the side of caution:

* If you're unsure about the safety of meat, it's better to throw it out.

* Food poisoning is a real risk, and it's not worth the gamble.

For further information:

* Contact your local health department or the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service.