Is It Safe To Eat Frozen Meat That's Expired?
NEWS
By ALLIE WARD
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) states that the expiration date on meat packaging is put voluntarily by the manufacturers and are indicators of quality, not safety.
"Best If Used By" or "Best Before" labels describe the final date in which the product is considered to be at peak quality. The date has nothing to do with your well-being.
Therefore, eating frozen meat that has been stored beyond the date mentioned on the packaging is less about safety and more about the taste, texture, and quality.
While the USDA specifies that freezing keeps food safe almost indefinitely, it's better to check if the meat has freezer burn — ice crystals forming when moisture escapes the meat.
Freezer-burnt food is edible, but it may not taste good once thawed and cooked. Similarly, if the meat has a brownish gray color or a funky smell, it's better to discard it.