You might like Bob Evans sausage, but you might not know where to find the expiration date.
It can be hard to tell when food is safe to eat because there are so many types of expiration dates and codes on them.
This article will explain Bob Evans sausage expiration dates in detail and give you some safe eating tips during that time.
So, if you’ve ever found yourself wondering where the expiration date is on Bob Evans sausage, keep reading!
Bob Evans is a popular brand of pre-cooked sausage that can be found in most grocery store refrigerated sections. However, if you’ve purchased Bob Evans sausage, you may have trouble locating the expiration date printed on the package. Unlike many food products that clearly display a “use by” or “best by” date, the date stamp on Bob Evans sausage can be tricky to find.
In this article, we’ll explain exactly where to look for the expiration date on various types of Bob Evans sausage. We’ll also provide tips on how to store sausage correctly and signs that your Bob Evans sausage has gone bad.
Why Checking Expiration Dates Matter
It’s always important to check expiration and use by dates before consuming any food product. These dates give guidance on how long the manufacturer guarantees the product will remain at peak quality and safety.
Consuming foods past the expiration date, especially ready-to-eat meats like sausage, can increase your risk of foodborne illness. Harmful bacteria can grow over time, even in properly stored foods So checking and heeding expiration dates is an important food safety precaution
Where to Find Dates on Bob Evans Fresh Sausage
For Bob Evans fresh sausage sold in the refrigerated meat case the use by date can be found in one of two locations
-
On the front label in small print near the bottom of the package
-
On the back side panel in the upper right hand corner
Look closely, as the date prints can be quite small. Dates on refrigerated Bob Evans sausage are typically 7 days from the packaging date.
So a package with a use by date of 9/1 would have been produced on 8/25 and should be consumed within 7 days of that production date. Always pick packages with the furthest out freshness dates from the back of the cooler.
Finding Dates on Frozen Bob Evans Sausage
Bob Evans also sells pre-cooked frozen sausage varieties including kielbasa, smoked sausage, bacon cheddar smoked sausage, and more. For these frozen sausages, the best by date will be printed on the bottom of the back panel.
Check the bottom left or right corner for a date stamp in XX/XX/XXXX format. This is your guide for how long the sausage will maintain best quality when kept frozen. The frozen sausage can be safely consumed past the best by date, but flavor and texture decline over time in the freezer.
Where to Look for Dates on Bob Evans Microwaveable Sausage
Bob Evans makes several varieties of pre-cooked microwaveable sausage bowls, rolls, links, and patties. For these microwaveable sausages, you’ll need to check carefully along the rim of the plastic container.
Small date codes are printed here in a XX/XX/XX or XX/XX/XXXX format. This rim area can collect residue and grease, so you may need to wipe it clean in order to read the date marking. Don’t consume if this date has passed.
Tips for Proper Bob Evans Sausage Storage
To get the maximum freshness and shelf life from your Bob Evans sausage:
- Refrigerate fresh sausage immediately at 40°F or below
- Keep frozen varieties frozen at 0°F until ready to use
- Store opened packages tightly wrapped and consume within 3-5 days
- Freeze any unused fresh sausage portions for longer storage
- Thaw frozen sausage slowly in the refrigerator or microwave
With proper storage, Bob Evans pre-cooked sausage should last 5-7 days past any printed use by date. But always rely on your senses – discard any sausage that smells, looks, or feels off.
What to Do If You Can’t Find a Date
Sometimes date stamp ink can fade or become unreadable on Bob Evans sausage packaging. If you cannot locate an expiration date, here are some tips:
- Estimate date based on purchase date and 7 day shelf life guidance
- Inspect sausage closely for any signs of spoilage
- Cook sausage thoroughly to 165°F internal temperature to eliminate bacteria
- When in doubt, throw it out! Don’t take risks with expired meat.
Freezing extra packages provides a buffer in case you cannot read the date code in the future. But it’s always best to purchase and freeze new sausage often for best quality.
How to Tell If Bob Evans Sausage Has Gone Bad
Watch for these signs that your Bob Evans sausage has spoiled and should be discarded:
- Slimy or sticky texture and residue
- Dull, faded color rather than vibrant pink/red
- Off putting sour or ammonia odor
- Mold or slime on casing
- Unusual fermented taste when cooked
The high fat content of sausage makes it prone to faster spoilage. If your Bob Evans sausage exhibits any of these red flags, it’s safest to throw it away. Don’t taste test questionable sausage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if you eat expired Bob Evans sausage?
Eating Bob Evans sausage past the printed use by or best by date increases your risks of possible food poisoning. Sausage can harbor bacteria like salmonella and listeria that multiply over time. Always discard expired sausage.
How long is unopened Bob Evans sausage good for?
Properly stored in the refrigerator, unopened Bob Evans fresh sausage is good for 5-7 days past the printed use by date. Frozen unopened packages maintain quality for months when kept frozen at 0°F.
Can you freeze Bob Evans sausage?
Yes, Bob Evans sausage freezes well for long term storage. Allow any opened packages to fully cool before freezing. Portion into serving sizes and wrap tightly in plastic wrap or freezer bags. Frozen sausage keeps for 2-3 months before quality declines.
What is the shelf life of cooked Bob Evans sausage?
Cooked Bob Evans sausage will last 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Make sure to store cooked sausage in airtight containers. You can also freeze cooked sausage for longer storage. Eat within 2-3 months for best flavor and texture.
Does cooking expired sausage make it safe?
Cooking expired sausage does not necessarily make it safe for consumption. Harmful toxins from bacteria can persist even after thorough cooking. Always discard Bob Evans sausage past its use by date even if you plan to cook it thoroughly before eating.
The Bottom Line
Checking and heeding expiration dates is crucial for Bob Evans sausage and all perishable foods. Though it may require some searching, always take a minute to locate the date stamp before enjoying your Bob Evans sausage. With proper refrigeration and freezing, you can extend the shelf life while maintaining safety and optimal quality.
Where Is The Expiration Date On Bob Evans Sausage?
The expiration date on Bob Evans sausage can be found on the packaging. It is usually written on the back or side of the package and is called the “use by” or “best by” date.
The date on the package tells you how long the sausage will stay fresh. It does not tell you how long it will go bad. As long as the sausage was stored properly, it might still be safe to eat a few days after the date it says it goes bad.
But if you smell something sour, see something dull, or feel something slimy, the sausage is probably going bad and you shouldn’t eat it.
Understanding Expiration Dates On Food Products
Even though expiration dates can be hard to understand, they are necessary to make sure that the food we eat is safe and of good quality. Food products can have different types of expiration dates, including “use by” and “best by” dates.
A product’s “use by” date tells you the last day you should use it while it’s still at its best. This date is set by the company that made the item, and it’s usually only used for foods that go bad quickly, like meat, dairy, and ready-to-eat foods. It is important to remember that eating food after the “use by” date can be bad for your health.
A “best by” date, on the other hand, tells you when the product will taste or be of the best quality. In no way does that mean the food is no longer safe to eat after that date; it’s just a date. Instead, it’s an indication of when the food may start to lose its optimal flavor or quality.
It’s also important to understand that expiration dates are not always strict guidelines. Most food companies don’t put too many years on their expiration dates, and many foods are still safe to eat after their printed dates as long as they are stored properly. But before you eat food that has passed its expiration date, you should use your senses and look for signs of spoilage.