How Long After the Sell By Date is Beef Roast Still Good to Eat?

The sell by date on packages of beef roast is just a guide – it doesn’t necessarily mean the meat is spoiled if the date has passed. But how long after the sell by date is the beef roast still ok to cook and eat? Let’s take a closer look at what the sell by date really means and how you can tell if your beef roast is still fresh enough to enjoy even after that date.

Understanding the Sell By Date

The sell by date is not actually an expiration date It is the last day that the grocery store is supposed to display and sell the product Refrigerated foods like beef roast can typically last for some time beyond the sell by date as long as they have been stored properly,

The sell by date functions more as a guide for stores for inventory management It allows them to track how long items have been on the shelves Perishable goods must be sold by that date for optimal quality.

But the product is still safe even though the sell by date has passed. It may just not be at peak freshness or flavor. The “sell by” date is usually a rough guess at the food’s quality, not a sign of when it’s no longer safe to eat.

How to Tell If Your Beef Roast is Still Good

Since the sell by date is not definitive, you will need to rely on your senses and good judgment to determine if your beef roast is still ok to eat. Here are some ways to tell if your beef roast is still fresh and safe to eat even after the sell by date has passed:

• Check the color – Beef should be a reddish-purple color. If it has turned more brown or gray, that is a sign it may be starting to spoil.

• Give it a sniff – Raw beef has a slight iron-like smell. If the meat smells unpleasantly sweet or sour, that is not a good sign.

• Feel the texture – Fresh beef should feel firm and not sticky or slimy. Slime on the surface can indicate bacteria growth.

• Watch for mold – Mold is one obvious sign of spoilage. If you see any fuzzy or colorful growth, do not eat the meat.

• Check the packaging – Make sure the packaging is still intact with no tears or holes which could allow bacteria in. Leaking meat juices are a bad sign.

Trust your senses – if it smells, looks or feels bad, do not risk eating it. Safety comes first. But if it seems ok, consider cooking guidelines.

How Long After Sell By Date for Beef Roast

So just how long after the sell by date can you safely cook and eat that beef roast? Here is a general timeline:

• 1 to 2 days past sell by date: Beef roast should be just fine. Cook thoroughly just in case.

• 3 to 5 days past date: The beef is entering the danger zone but may still be ok if refrigerated properly at 40°F or below. Cook immediately and thoroughly.

• 1 week past date: At this point you are taking a higher risk. Cook thoroughly to 165°F internal temperature if you dare try it.

• 2 weeks past date: Safest to throw it out at this point. Not worth the risk.

These timelines can vary based on proper storage conditions. If your refrigerator temperature is above 40°F, meat will spoil faster. And if meat was frozen at 0°F then thawed in the refrigerator, it may last longer. Trust your judgment along with the timelines.

Proper Storage Extends Shelf Life

Proper storage is key to getting the most shelf life and use past that sell by date printed on the package. Here are some storage tips:

• Store raw beef roast on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator to prevent juices from dripping on other food.

• Place the roast in a container or seal it in a plastic bag to avoid cross-contamination.

• Make sure your refrigerator temperature is set to 40°F or below. Use a fridge thermometer to monitor.

• Freeze beef roast if you can’t use it within a couple days of purchasing. Frozen at 0°F, it will last 4-12 months.

• Thaw frozen roast in the refrigerator, not on the counter. Thawing in the fridge preserves quality and prevents bacterial growth.

• Once thawed, cook the roast within 2 days for best quality. Do not refreeze raw meat after thawing.

Proper cold storage slows bacterial growth, locking in freshness and extending the usable lifespan of your beef roast.

Signs Your Beef Roast Has Spoiled

Despite proper storage, there are signs your beef roast has gone bad and reached unsafe levels of spoilage. Do not risk eating it if you notice any of the following:

• Strong, unpleasant sour or ammonia smell
• Slime formation on the meat surface
• Discoloration – greenish, blueish, yellowish or whitish hues
• Slimy feel and texture
• Mold growth – fuzzy spots in various colors
• Unusual perforations in the meat
• Very sticky juices oozing from meat

Trust your senses – if something seems off about the raw beef roast’s smell, look or feel, play it safe and throw it out. It is not worth getting sick over spoiled meat.

Preparing Beef Roast Past the Sell By Date

If your beef roast passes the inspection and you plan to eat it just past the sell by date, take some extra precautions when preparing it:

• Cook the roast thoroughly to at least 160°F internal temperature, checking with a meat thermometer. This kills any bacteria that may be present. Let rest 3 minutes before carving.

• Avoid eating the roast cold after cooking. Serve it hot immediately after cooking or reheat fully to 165°F before eating as cold leftovers.

• Carve the roast within 2 hours of cooking and refrigerate promptly in shallow airtight containers. Use leftovers within 3-4 days.

• Clean any plates, utensils and surfaces that raw meat touches with hot soapy water to avoid cross-contamination.

• Avoid cooking roast in a slow cooker or very low oven if it is more than 2-3 days past the sell by date. Keep the temperature hotter.

• Stick to well-done doneness if the meat is past 5 days after sell by date. Err on the safe side.

Thorough cooking and proper handling after cooking can further reduce risks when consuming beef roast just past its prime date.

The Bottom Line

The sell by date on packages of beef roast is not a firm expiration date, but rather a general guideline for stores. The raw beef roast may still be fine to cook and eat within 3-5 days after that printed date, especially if properly stored below 40°F.

Use your eyes, nose and common sense to determine if it seems fresh enough. Cook beef roasts thoroughly past the sell by date and practice food safety when handling raw meats to protect your health. When in doubt if the meat has spoiled, remember – safety first! Don’t take chances with beef roast more than 5-7 days past its sell by date.