can I use ground beef that's turned gray?

Question

So I bought this ground beef Monday afternoon, and today is Thursday. It's been in the fridge, except most of it has turned grey already. The FDA website says that MAY mean it's already begun to spoil-- so what does that mean? Honestly, would it be so terrible to cook it and eat it?

Answer 1

Honestly, I would break it apart and see what the internal color is. Most markets tint ground beef red to make it appear very fresh. If you break it apart and it is turning gray on the inside, throw it away immediately. Eating potentially spoiled meat is not worth the risk. Next time, if you're not going to use it right away, place it in the freezer. That way the meat will still be good if you don't use it right away.

Answer 2

Grey Ground Beef

Answer 3

RE:
can I use ground beef that's turned gray?
So I bought this ground beef Monday afternoon, and today is Thursday. It's been in the fridge, except most of it has turned grey already. The FDA website says that MAY mean it's already begun to spoil-- so what does that mean? Honestly, would it be so terrible to cook it and eat it?

Answer 4

What's the "sell by" date on the packaging? If it's only a day or two past, you'll be fine to eat it. If it said sell by Monday and you bought it Monday, then I'd pitch it. Meat is usually good for two to three days past the sell by date.

I notice a lot with ground beef that it's nice and pink on the outside, but when you open it and crumble it, it's gray on the inside.

One surefire way to tell is to smell it. If it smells like plain old hamburger, it's fine. If it has an almost "tangy" smell, it's going bad--throw it away.

Answer 5

I think that if it hasn't changed smell, than its alright..
I used to work at a meat market., the butcher there says that beef does change color, especially ground beef because of a reaction with blood and air..It makes sense to me..
If it was packaged on that day, or the day befor, it should be great!!
If your at all concerned, get rid of it..
But i bet that its just fine!!

Answer 6

Ground Beef Color

Answer 7

It is against the law to tint hamburger or any meat. If the grocery store you suggested is doing this call your Agriculture Division in your state and report them. As far as the meat being gray is a lack of oxygen. oIf it doesn't smell isn't slimy and tastes ok use it, but cook to 160 degrees or higher.

Answer 8

If it has remained sealed it should be alright. The most important fact now is to cook it thoroughly, to get the temperature up to 180% for 15-20 minutes.
What else you do to it is up to you.

Answer 9

Sweet_heather gave you the best answer IMO.

I use slightly gray ground-beef... but only on the outside... and then brown it THOROUGHLY

Answer 10

It it doesnt smell terrible I dont see problem in cook it. A grey color could be normal because of the oxigen is in touch with the meat but that doesnt mean is spoiled, it is completely normal in meat with one or two day in fridge.