Ground beef refrigeration

So the USDA lists that a person should consume ground beef if it's been in the fridge for 1-2 days.

If we purchased the beef Tuesday afternoon (and today is Thursday) obviously it should be fine if it's been sitting in the fridge since.

However this made me think...do they not count the time it's been sitting at the grocery store? I mean it's not frozen then and Im guessing they don't "throw out" what is bought so...how is it safe to eat if it's sitting in "refrigerator temps" at the grocery store for probably more tha n 1-2 days?

food-safety ground-beef

Best Answer

They do count that, yes. Food safety regulations are targeted towards the worst case scenario. If the meat in question is old enough that the store is about to throw it away, and the store's refrigerator wasn't quite as cold as it was supposed to be, and it sat in a hot car on the way home, and your refrigerator is not quite cold enough either, then 1-2 days should still be okay.

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Quick Answer about "Ground beef refrigeration"

A package of ground beef can stay in the fridge for up to two days from the date of purchase, as recommended by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. By day two, it's best to either cook the ground beef or freeze it. Freezing ground beef is a great long-term solution, as it can last in the freezer for months.

Is ground beef good after 3 days in fridge?

Storing meatUncured, raw meat generally lasts safely for around three days in the refrigerator. If you plan to keep uncooked meat longer, freezing it is your best bet. Seal the meat in an airtight package before freezing. Then, it can usually be frozen for at least several months.

Is ground beef good in the fridge for 2 days?

The refrigerator should be at or below 40\xb0F (4\xb0C) and the freezer at or below 0\xb0F (-17\xb0C). It is safe to store ground beef in the refrigerator for 1\u20132 days, and eat leftovers within 4 days. A person can store ground beef in the freezer for up to 4 months.

Can I eat ground beef after 5 days in fridge?

Many food safety authorities and organizations say that raw ground beef can be kept inside the refrigerator for 1-2 days after your purchase. If you'd like to store it for a longer period of time, it can be kept inside the freezer for longer, typically three to four months.

How I Cook and Freeze Ground Meat

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