Forgot about sausage in refrigerator.?

Question

It said for best taste sell by July 17th. Today is July 24th, it smells ok. and is not brown but regular color. Can I still cook it for dinner?

rechecked label and said for freshest taste by July 17th

Answer 1

Don't take a chance. Throw it out. For the sake of a few dollars, I would throw it out. If it was past the sell-by date a day, it would likely be OK, but not a week. Same with eggs or mayo or salad dressing. I know people who have been very sick when eating things that were past by the sell-by date by only 3 or 4 days (sick: meaning trips to the ER due to food poisoning.)

Answer 2

Depends on the type of sausage. Is it pre-cooked or smoked or cured or preserved and the salt and spice content, etc. Sausages use to be, in the days before refrigeration, a way to preserve meats. Since refrigeration, many sausages are now nothing but regular ground meat prepared in a way that would not prevent from going bad quickly. Smell is usually a good indicator, but you must smell the internal contents rather than the exterior since the casing may be hiding the odor.

Answer 3

Is it pre-cooked or not? If pre-cooked and never opened, it should be ok - it's probably loaded with sodium nitrate as a preservative so the sell-by date means you can keep it another 5-7 days.

Is it from a factory, or a butcher shop? If from a factory, it's probably safe. Butcher shops are another question -- they probably are not inspected as often.

But since you say there is no smell, it's probably ok to eat. If you heat it thoroughly (fry, broil/grill or boil) the cooking will destroy any bacteria.

Answer 4

It's usually not the bacteria you have to worry about in processed foods, if they are already cooked. It is the toxins theses little guys leave behind...they are not cooked out of food. Be careful, I would wash the outside very well in hot water before attempting to cut open, then make sure several sensitive noses inspect the meat. Myself? I'd run to the store and buy another one...or just eat something else...good luck

Answer 5

Just let it go!!!! It couldn't have cost over $7? I would rather lose the money and be safe than take a chance. The old saying is: "When in doubt, throw it out."

Answer 6

I am just very particular, and I would not eat it. But you will probably be safe. maybe you could check with your local grocery store and ask the butcher.

Answer 7

sell by doesn't mean cook by. I would cook & eat it.

Answer 8

Better safe than sorry...toss it and buy fresh.

Answer 9

um, i would