How does vacuum packing affect safe meat storage time?
I recently bought some vacuum-packed pork back ribs, with a sell-by date more than two weeks after I bought it. I don't think I've ever seen a date that far out on meats and I'm not sure how to interpret it. I assume it has something to do with the vaccum-packing.
I gather that meat isn't necessarily good until the sell-by date, because home refrigerators aren't as good at what they do as what the store uses. How long can I expect these ribs, and similar products, to last before I must cook them?
Best Answer
Vacuum-packing elongates food storage times because by removing the air you remove the oxygen, which aerobic organisms (in this case bacteria) thrive on. No oxygen means no bacterial growth. This is also known as Reduced Oxygen Packaging and can extend freezer life by years.
Some things to keep in mind:
- If you open the package, it's life will drop considerably, and you will be back to a few days tops
- If your package fills with air, either the seal broke, or a significant amount of oxygen was trapped inside and bacterial growth is generating decomposition gases.
- If your food provider is a reputable source then their dating is probably accurate. There are significant regulations regarding ROP, and they probably have a production plan that monitors how the food is processed, with dates that are then determined by how the process works.
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Quick Answer about "How does vacuum packing affect safe meat storage time?"
Vacuum packing meat allows it to stay good for up to 3 - 5 times longer than beef that has been stored in supermarket bought packagings such as bags or plastic containers.Why does vacuum packed meat last longer?
Vacuum sealers work by removing all of the oxygen from the packaging you use to store your meats, meaning most bacteria have almost no chance at further growth. This can mean freezer storage times 3 to 5 times as long with comparable freshness.What effect does vacuum packing have on meat?
Vacuum Packaging of Meat\u2606 With good vacuum packaging, the very low oxygen level obtained, coupled with production of carbon dioxide in the bag, discourages growth of aerobic microorganisms that cause spoilage odors and flavors.How vacuum packaging can extend the shelf life of foods?
Remove Excess Oxygen \u2013 Vacuum sealing works by vacuuming out excess oxygen and creating an airtight seal. This slows down the process of food decaying, locking in freshness, allowing food to be stored or frozen for a longer period of time than you can store non vacuum sealed containers.Will meat spoil if vacuum sealed?
Protects meat from freezer burn: Through vacuum sealing, the meat is fresh and soft. Without moisture, you avoid the icy layer that forms on meat in the freezer. Makes food taste better: Vacuum-sealed meat gives your food a richer flavor. You can marinate the meat inside the plastic bag to give it more taste.How Long Does Vacuum Sealed Meat Last in the Freezer?
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