How Long is Chicken Good for After the Sell By Date: A Guide to Safe Consumption of Poultry

– The sell-by date on chicken is intended for retailers and is an indication of the date by which chicken should be sold for peak freshness.
– The sell-by date is not a safety date or expiration date.
– Chicken is generally good for up to 2 days past the sell-by date.
– Fresh chicken should be cooked or frozen within 1 to 2 days of purchase.
– How the raw chicken is stored will affect how long it lasts.
– The use-by date is added by some poultry producers and is typically three to five days after the chicken was packaged.
– Chicken past the sell-by date can still be safe to eat, but always check for signs of spoilage before consuming.
– According to USDA, chicken is still safe to cook and eat up to 2 days beyond the sell-by date.
– Best-before date is a voluntary date set by the producer to indicate when the quality of food products may begin to decline.
– Raw chicken typically lasts in the fridge for up to 2 days past the sell-by date.
– Cooked chicken will last 3 to 4 days in the fridge or up to 4 to 6 months in the freezer.
– Chicken that is 5 days past the sell-by date should be tossed to avoid food poisoning.
– Raw chicken should be cooked or frozen within 1 to 2 days of purchase, so cooking chicken two weeks after the sell-by date is not recommended.
– Raw chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for 1-2 days after the sell-by date.
– Chicken should be cooked or frozen within 1 to 2 days of purchase according to USDA.
– If chicken shows signs of spoilage, it is best to throw it away.
– Chicken should be used within 1-2 days after being placed in the fridge, regardless of the sell-by date.
– It’s best to cook chicken within 1-2 days after purchase for optimal freshness.
– The sell-by date on raw chicken is a guide for retailers, not consumers.
– Chicken is typically safe to consume for 1-2 days after the sell-by date if stored correctly in the refrigerator.
– It’s generally recommended to cook or freeze chicken as soon as possible after the sell-by date to ensure safety and quality.
– The sell-by date is just a guideline for retailers, so it is important to check the chicken’s color, smell, and texture.
– To keep chicken fresh, it should be stored properly.
– If it will be used within one to two days, it should be kept in the refrigerator at a temperature below 40°F.
– If it will not be used within that time, it should be frozen in airtight packaging to preserve its quality and prevent freezer burn.

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Can You Eat Lamb Rare? Know the Risks for Optimal Safety!

– Lamb can be eaten rare if the exterior is cooked and the surface bacteria is killed off
– Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness and aim for an internal temperature of 120-125 degrees Fahrenheit (50 degrees Celsius)
– Let the lamb rest for five minutes after cooking to reach a final internal temperature of 128-130 degrees Fahrenheit
– It is not recommended to eat rare lamb leftovers because they may have bacteria picked up during storage
– Leftover lamb should be reheated to at least medium doneness to reduce the chances of consuming bacteria
– Eating raw lamb is not advisable due to food safety concerns, although some people enjoy lamb tartare
– If making lamb tartare, it is important to use high-quality, previously frozen lamb and ensure cleanliness during preparation
– Common foodborne pathogens associated with undercooked lamb include E. Coli, Salmonella, Staphylococcus aureus, Norovirus, and Campylobacter
– Proper cooking, such as searing the lamb, helps remove bacteria from the outer surface

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How Long Can Almond Milk Sit Out Safely?

– Almond milk is different from cow’s milk and doesn’t go bad in the same way.
– Homemade or refrigerated almond milk should not sit out for more than two hours.
– Unopened shelf-stable almond milk can sit out until the expiration date (generally 6-12 months).
– Homemade almond milk can be kept fresh for about 7 days in the refrigerator.
– Store-bought refrigerated almond milk is made the same way as homemade but with added ingredients to prolong shelf life.
– Almond milk manufacturers use pasteurization to kill bacteria, allowing the milk to stay fresh for weeks.
– After opening refrigerated almond milk, it should last about seven days.
– Almond milk should not sit out at room temperature for more than two hours.
– Unopened shelf-stable almond milk can sit out longer than opened almond milk.
– Shelf-stable almond milk can last several months or up to a year without refrigeration.
– Opened almond milk (regardless of type) can last about 7 days after opening.
– If refrigerated or opened shelf-stable almond milk is left out for more than two hours, it is recommended to throw it away to avoid potential food poisoning symptoms.
– Leaving almond milk out, even for a short time, can lead to the growth of mold and bacteria, increasing the risk of food poisoning.

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Can You Refreeze Bacon? The Dos and Don’ts

– According to USDA guidelines, bacon can be refrozen only if it was thawed safely in the refrigerator within seven days before refreezing.
– To freeze raw bacon (unopened), tightly wrap the package with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and use within four months.
– To freeze raw bacon (opened), place it in a zip-top bag, remove the air, and use within four months.
– To freeze cooked bacon, line a rimmed baking sheet with waxed paper, arrange the strips in a single layer, freeze overnight, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Use within six months for best quality.
– Thaw bacon overnight in the refrigerator or in cold, flowing water for 30 minutes. Bacon thawed in water should be cooked immediately.
– Bacon cannot be refrozen after it has been thawed using the methods mentioned.
– Bacon can be defrosted using a microwave’s defrost function, but it should only be heated for a few minutes at a time and cooked immediately after.
– Bacon can be cooked from frozen, either as individual slices or as a block.
– When cooking bacon from frozen, it is recommended to lightly pat it with a paper towel to remove frost.
– In the microwave, bacon can be cooked on high for two minutes with paper towels to avoid grease splatters.
– On the stove, a frozen bacon block can be placed in a skillet over low heat until it thaws and individual strips can be removed.
– On the stove, frozen bacon strips can be cooked in a skillet over medium heat.
– In the oven, frozen bacon can be cooked at 400 degrees F for 17-20 minutes on a baking pan or rack lined with aluminum foil.
– Cooking bacon from frozen may result in more grease pops as the ice crystals melt.
– The article states that thawed bacon can be safely refrozen as long as it was stored in the refrigerator.
– Bacon should not be left on the counter to defrost.
– All types of bacon, including pork, turkey, and Canadian bacon, can be refrozen if thawed safely.
– Bacon should not be refrozen if it was thawed in the microwave or on the counter.
– Uncooked bacon should be refrozen within 3-5 days of defrosting.
– Unopened packages of thawed bacon can be refrozen directly, while partially used packages should be tightly wrapped in plastic wrap before placing in a ziplock bag.
– Cooked bacon should be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in a ziplock bag to refreeze.
– Cooked bacon can also be crumbled and stored in an airtight container before refreezing.
– When freezing bacon, it can be refrozen, but the duration it remains safe to eat is shorter than when initially frozen. An unopened package of raw bacon that has been refrozen can last up to 30 days in the freezer. However, if the bacon is raw from an open package, it should only be frozen for another 10-14 days. Cooked bacon can be refrozen for up to 2 weeks.
– It is important to label the bacon with the date frozen and a “USE BY” date. Proper placement in the freezer is also important to ensure it is used quickly.
– Thawing bacon should be done in the refrigerator, which typically takes 12-24 hours. Once thawed, an unopened package of refrozen bacon should be cooked within 4 days, while a partial package should be used within 2 days.
– It is not recommended to refreeze bacon twice.
– Reheating cooked and frozen bacon can be done in the microwave, oven, or toaster oven.
– Finally, there are various bacon recipes that can be made using the thawed bacon.

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Can You Put a Pizza Box in the Oven? Discovering the Safe and Surprising Truths

– Reheating pizza by putting the whole pizza box in the oven is not recommended.
– Most pizza boxes are made of cardboard, which can catch fire at high temperatures.
– Heating cardboard can release toxins into the food, posing health risks.
– Using pizza box varieties in the oven is not recommended due to flammability and potential release of harmful chemicals.
– The main risks of putting a pizza box in the oven are fire and chemical contamination.
– It is safer to use oven-safe baking dishes or pizza stones for reheating pizza.
– The cardboard material of the box can also impact the taste and consistency of the pizza.
– Alternatives to cardboard for reheating pizza include aluminum foil, parchment paper, and a pizza stone or steel baking sheet.
– It is recommended to explore alternative methods whenever possible.
– Pizza boxes are unlikely to catch fire until temperatures reach around 400°F.
– There may be chemicals in the pizza box that can impact the food.
– The recommended temperature for reheating is 375°F and for keeping warm is 170°F.
– Placing a pizza box in the oven increases the risk of fire, chemical contamination, and tainted food.
– It is possible to bake a Little Caesars box as long as the heating element is kept away from it.
– Only oven-safe pizza pans or dishes should be used in the oven.
– Reheating pizza in the oven can result in uneven cooking.
– The cardboard material of the pizza box can affect the taste and texture of the pizza.
– It is advised against putting the cardboard box directly in the oven, as it can release harmful substances and is not recommended.
– If choosing to use the cardboard box to keep the pizza warm, the oven should not be set above 200°F and the pizza should not be left in the oven for more than 30 minutes.
– Preheating the oven is recommended and exploring alternative methods is suggested.
– Reheating the pizza for 10 minutes on the warm setting is unlikely to cause any harm, but it is advised to prioritize safety and explore safer reheating options.
– Potential fire hazards, chemical leaks, and the material safety of the pizza box are all factors to consider.
– It is possible to bake a Little Caesars box in the oven as long as the heating element is kept away from it.
– In general, warming up pizza boxes in the oven is not advised, and it is recommended to use oven-safe alternatives.

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Burger Temperature Chart: Ensuring Perfect Juiciness and Safety

– Burgers can be prepared in different ways, just like steak.
– Cooking burgers correctly is important to prevent foodborne illnesses.
– The minimum safe temperature for ground beef is 160 degrees Fahrenheit (FTD).
– Some burgers may not reach 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
– Consuming raw or undercooked foods can be dangerous.
– Meat thermometers are used to check the internal temperature of meat.
– Meat thermometers help lower the risk of foodborne illnesses.
– Meat thermometers allow for accurate temperature readings without compromising flavor and texture.
– To use a meat thermometer, insert the probe into the thickest section of the meat.
– Keep meat thermometers away from heat sources and check temperature in multiple areas.
– The desired internal temperature varies for different types of burgers.
– Blue rare burgers should be cooked to an internal temperature of 115-120 degrees Fahrenheit.
– Blue rare burgers usually reach this temperature in under four minutes of cooking time.
– Burgers should be cooked at medium-high to high heat, between 350 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
– Cooked burgers should sit out at room temperature for less than two hours, or less than one hour in temperatures above 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
– Leftover cooked burgers should be stored in a refrigerated area to prevent bacterial growth.
– Cooked burgers should rest for around five minutes before serving.
– It is not required to bring the meat to room temperature before grilling, as starting with cold meat helps maintain the burger’s juicy texture.
– The cooking time for burgers will vary depending on the desired doneness.
– The internal temperature of the burger is more important than the cooking time.
– The recommended internal temperatures for different levels of doneness are:
– Blue Rare: 115-120 degrees Fahrenheit
– Rare: 120-125 degrees Fahrenheit
– Medium-Rare: 130-135 degrees Fahrenheit
– Medium: 140-145 degrees Fahrenheit
– Medium-Well: 150-155 degrees Fahrenheit
– Well-Done: Over 160 degrees Fahrenheit
– Properly preparing burgers is important for food safety and customer satisfaction.

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How to Tell if Sour Cream is Bad: Expert Tips for Spotting Spoiled Sour Cream

Signs that sour cream has gone bad include mold growth, discoloration, off smell, sharp or bitter taste, curdling, and dryness. Mold growth appears as fuzzy grey or green spots, and a moldy film may also be present. Discoloration indicates bacterial or fungal growth. An off smell beyond the usual tangy aroma suggests spoilage. A sharp, bitter, rancid, or yeasty taste is a sign of spoilage. Curdling is normal if there is a light layer of white, milky liquid on top, but lumps or curdles indicate spoilage. Dryness and no presence of whey (milky, watery liquid) are also signs of spoilage.

Tips for storing sour cream properly:

1. Store sour cream in the fridge below 40°F (4°C) to slow down the growth of molds and bacteria.
2. Store sour cream further back in the fridge for more constant temperature, not in the fridge door.
3. Keep sour cream tightly covered in the original packaging or in a clean airtight container to prevent spoilage.
4. Use clean and dry utensils to scoop out sour cream to avoid cross-contamination.

Important facts:

1. Sour cream that is moist and watery is normal, while dense sour cream is a sign that it has dried out.
2. Sour cream is a perfect environment for molds and bacteria.
3. Always store sour cream in the fridge below 40°F (4°C) to slow down the growth of molds and bacteria.
4. Store sour cream further back in the fridge for more constant temperature, not in the fridge door.
5. Keep sour cream tightly covered in the original packaging or in a clean airtight container to prevent spoilage.
6. Use clean and dry utensils to scoop out sour cream to avoid cross-contamination.
7. If sour cream shows signs of spoilage, you may get sick from consuming it.
8. Do not eat sour cream that has been left out overnight as bacterial growth accelerates at room temperature.
9. Sour cream can spoil at room temperature within 2-4 hours.
10. If sour cream is left out for this long, discard it immediately.

Importance of not using expired sour cream:

1. It is best not to take the risk of using expired sour cream, as it can cause severe cases of foodborne illness.
2. If a tub of sour cream is unopened and within three weeks past the sell-by-date or use-by-date, it can still be used if it has been stored correctly in the fridge.
3. However, before using expired sour cream, it is important to inspect it for signs of spoilage for safety reasons.
4. If the sour cream expired a month ago, it is recommended to throw it out.

Potential risks of consuming spoiled sour cream:

1. Eating spoiled sour cream can lead to food poisoning with symptoms like stomach cramps, nausea, diarrhea, and fever.

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Brat Internal Temperature: Ensuring Safe and Delicious Grilling

– The article provides tips on how to smoke and grill brats.
– It recommends choosing uncooked, raw brats with a well-balanced lean-to-fat ratio.
– Cooked brats are pre-boiled and may have diluted flavor.
– The ideal brat has a 70% lean and 30% fat ratio.
– The article suggests lightly rolling the brats in a signature Traeger rub or any preferred rub before grilling.
– It mentions that seasoning preference depends on personal taste or recipe.
– If braising, the rub can be added to the beer/broth mixture.
– Oil is not necessary when using a Traeger grill.
– For smoking brats, smoke them for about 45 minutes to an hour at 225 degrees Fahrenheit or the Super Smoke setting.
– After smoking, the grill should be turned up to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to crisp up the casing for a juicy snap.
– The article provides instructions for grilling brats, including different methods such as smoking and braising.
– It suggests using a beer braise and recommends specific types of beer, such as Leinenkugel’s Summer Shandy or IPA, to enhance the flavor.
– The article also mentions the importance of choosing appropriate wood pellets for smoking the brats, with hickory, maple, and apple wood being popular options.
– Brats (bratwursts) only need to rest for 5 to 10 minutes after grilling
– Set grill temperature to High and preheat for 10 to 15 minutes
– Cook brats on the grill, turning frequently, until internal temperature reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit
– USDA recommends cooking bratwursts to an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit, but 140 to 145 degrees Fahrenheit yields juiciest results
– Do not take brats off the grill if they’re under 140 degrees Fahrenheit to avoid foodborne illness
– Toasting the bun can add a crisp texture with a soft interior, spread butter or mayo on the inside and grill face-down for a minute or two
– Pellet grill creates bolder and smokier flavors that complement the brats’ juices
– Brats should be grilled slowly over medium-low heat (between 300 and 350°F) for best results.
– It should take about 20 minutes to reach the desired internal temperature of 160°F.
– The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the brats.
– It is important to turn them often for even caramelization.
– Using high heat is not recommended as it can char the outside and cause the casing to split open, leading to juice spillage.

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