Swaggerty sausage has been a popular brand of premium pork sausage for over 85 years. Their flavorful sausage links, patties, and rolls can be found in many grocery stores across the Eastern United States. But with any fresh meat product, it’s good to keep an eye on the expiration date to ensure safety and quality. In this article, we’ll look at some tips for locating the expiration or “use by” date on Swaggerty sausage products.
Check the Back or Bottom of the Package
For most Swaggerty sausage products, the expiration date can be found on the back or bottom of the package. It may be printed in small type so you need to examine the packaging closely. The date will typically be preceded by terms like “Use By,” “Sell By” “Best Before,” or “EXP.”
Some examples
- “Use By 07/02/2023”
- “Sell By July 5, 2023”
- “Best Before 07.05.23”
- “EXP 07/05/2023”
So when looking for the expiration date, carefully turn the package over and look near the seam or on the bottom. It should be printed somewhere in that area.
Notice the Color Coding
In addition to the printed date, Swaggerty uses color-coded bands at the end of the package to make the expiration dates more visible. Here is what the different colored bands indicate:
- Red band – Best used within 7 days
- Blue band – Best used within 14 days
- Yellow band – Best used within 30 days
- Green band – Best used within 60 days
So if you spot a red, blue, yellow or green band at the end, that’s a quick visual indicator of how long that sausage has before reaching its expiration date. The exact “use by” date will still be printed, but the color coding makes it easier to spot at a glance.
Verify Refrigerated vs. Frozen
It’s important to note that the expiration dates pertain to whether the Swaggerty sausage is kept refrigerated or frozen.
For refrigerated sausage, the date will typically be within 2-3 weeks of purchase. However, if the package was kept continuously frozen, the expiration date extends much longer – up to 180 days (6 months) in the freezer.
So check whether your package is labeled as refrigerated or frozen. This impacts how long the sausage stays fresh. Of course, once thawed, refrigerated sausage should not be refrozen.
Watch for Other Helpful Labeling
In addition to expiration dates and color codes, Swaggerty sausage packs may contain other labeling that relates to freshness and quality:
- “Previously Handled Frozen” indicates the sausage was frozen at the Swaggerty’s facility for quality control.
- “Keep Refrigerated” reminds you to store the sausage in the fridge once purchased.
- Nutrition and ingredient labels can provide other important info.
So keep an eye out for these helpful tips on Swaggerty sausage that can supplement the expiration date and handling guidance.
What if I Can’t Find the Date?
In some rare instances, the expiration date printing may be missing or unclear on a Swaggerty sausage package. If that’s the case, here are some tips:
- Check the visual color coding bands as a reference.
- Smell the sausage to ensure there are no off or unpleasant odors.
- Examine the color and texture – it should look normal with no discoloration or sliminess.
- When in doubt, do not consume the sausage if it seems deteriorated.
- Consider contacting the store where it was purchased or the Swaggerty’s company for guidance.
Checking for and heeding expiration dates is an important part of enjoying Swaggerty sausage safely. Hopefully these tips will help you easily locate the freshness dates on their sausage packages. Always store Swaggerty’s sausages as recommended, and consume or freeze them prior to the printed expiration dates. Then you can relax and enjoy the signature Swaggerty’s flavors you know and love!
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions about Swaggerty sausage expiration dates? Here are answers to some common questions:
How long does unopened Swaggerty sausage last in the fridge?
In the refrigerator, unopened Swaggerty sausage typically lasts 7-14 days from the pack date depending on variety. Always check package for the “use by” date.
How can you tell if Swaggerty sausage has expired?
Signs that Swaggerty sausage has spoiled include off odors, sliminess, discoloration or unnatural colors, mold, or bacteria growth. Expired sausage may also feel tacky or uneven in texture.
Is Swaggerty sausage still good after sell by date?
It’s not recommended to eat Swaggerty sausage past the sell by or use by date printed on the package. These dates indicate when the sausage reaches peak freshness and quality.
Can you freeze Swaggerty sausage after the sell by date?
Yes, you can safely freeze Swaggerty sausage right up to the printed expiration date on the package. Frozen correctly, it can last 6 months in the freezer before deteriorating.
How do you properly freeze Swaggerty sausage?
Freeze sausage in original airtight packaging or place in freezer bags, removing excess air. Freeze immediately at 0°F or below. Do not refreeze previously frozen thawed sausage.
Why do the expiration dates differ for refrigerated vs. frozen Swaggerty sausage?
The cold freezer temperatures slow down bacteria growth and other deterioration much more than refrigeration does. So frozen Swaggerty sausage stays fresh significantly longer.
What do the colored bands on Swaggerty sausage mean?
The color coded bands (red, blue, yellow, green) indicate the number of days until expiration – 7, 14, 30 or 60 days respectively. Always confirm specific date.
What if I can’t find any expiration date on the Swaggerty sausage?
First double check the packaging – it may be in small print. If still missing, check for color bands and use your judgment on appearance and odors. When in doubt, do not eat deteriorated sausage.
Can you still cook and eat Swaggerty sausage after the expiration date?
It’s not recommended. Cooking expired meat does not make it safe to eat if bacteria has grown. Discard Swaggerty sausage that is past the printed expiration date on package.
Be sure to keep these common sausage expiration questions in mind when storing and enjoying Swaggerty’s famous premium pork sausage links and patties. Properly refrigerating and freezing will keep that Swaggerty’s flavor you love available when it’s time to cook up some homestyle sausage meals or snacks.
