Help with bacon

[darkchocolate]

I just found a package of Black Label Hormel bacon in my refrigerator. The sell by date is June 15th. Has anyone used bacon past it's expiration date before? I look at bacon as cured, so I was just wondering if it might still be okay. I would never use fresh meat past it's best buy date, well maybe 1 day or so. Of course, if it smells I wouldn't even think about frying it.

darkchocolate

[itlw8]

food is good past the sale by date... if it is unopened chances are it will be ok with bacon you will know if it is not good.

If you look at it and the cryovac seal is broken and the meat has white runny stuff it is bad. if not open it if it is bad it will smell and knock you off your feet.

If it smells like bacon it is fine.... the cryovac really works wonders.

[nandmsmom]

The sell by date is for companies to cover their butts. If it smells good and looks good, go for it. I always have bacon in the fridge past the date.

[darkchocolate]

Thank you for your responses. The bacon has never been opened and looks fine. With food so high, I just hate that I let this slip by. I already have supper started for tonight, so maybe tomorrow night we will be having BLT's.

[blitzen]

I'm of the 'whatever I paid for it isn't worth risking food poisoning' camp. Of course, when you open it, if it doesn't kill you with the smell, it's probably fine

[IntlMom]

I just wanted to put another vote in for "if it smells bad.....YOU WILL KNOW IT!!" otherwise, I'd use it, no problem-o!!

[Michelle]

Food can be spoiled w/o having a rotten smell. As someone who has had food poisoning, I have adopted the "when in doubt, throw it out mantra".

[Michelle]

"Packaged sliced bacon can be kept in its unopened vacuum-sealed package in the refrigerator up to a week past the expiration date"

http://homecooking.about.com/od/food...constorage.htm

HTH

[Ali Lee]

I'm not sure, but if you would google Hormel and click on CONTACT US, ask your ?'s and they will answer. I've done that with a turkey/Butterball and the beef council about hamburger. They answered me immediately. Good Luck. Also, I'm with Michelle...when in doubt-throw it out. I, too, had food poisoning. 2 dr visits and a month later, I was ok. Nasty stuff!

[Persimmon Lace]

With bacon, if it is still pink and the fat is still fat, yes we use it. But if it's turned gray or looks/smells off I wouldn't use it. I just used some that was about a month passed over and it was still well sealed and kept very cold in my meat keeper in the fridge.

[frugalnana]

I agree if it doesn't smell mad or look bad then use it. I would make some BLTs if its good to use it up for a meal.

[Darlene]

I agree with the consensus. Really like that brand too.
Hope you have some great garden tomatoes to go in tonights dinner also! Yum!

[Michelle]

I'm not sure, but if you would google Hormel and click on CONTACT US, ask your ?'s and they will answer. I've done that with a turkey/Butterball and the beef council about hamburger. They answered me immediately. Good Luck. Also, I'm with Michelle...when in doubt-throw it out. I, too, had food poisoning. 2 dr visits and a month later, I was ok. Nasty stuff!

:yes:

My Dr. and hospital bills were much more than the cost of 1 package of bacon. Much more.

[DJ1972]

Wasting bacon should be classified as a felony lol! Man, now I want a BLT.

[YankeeMom]

"Packaged sliced bacon can be kept in its unopened vacuum-sealed package in the refrigerator up to a week past the expiration date"

http://homecooking.about.com/od/food...constorage.htm

HTH

Also remember that the "sell by" date is NOT the same as the "expiration date"