Can beef bones go bad?

In this brief guide, we will answer the question, ‘can beef bones go bad,’ and discuss how you can tell if beef bones have gone bad, and how long beef bones last in the fridge.

Can beef bones go bad?

Yes, beef bones can go bad. Several pathogenic bacteria are able to deteriorate beef bones, including Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and aerobic mesophilic bacteria (1).

In addition to microbial spoilage and similarly to other meat products, beef bones also degrade as a result of chemical and enzymatic reactions, resulting in the loss of the quality of the product (1,2,3).

Lipid oxidation and discoloration is one of the critical points affecting the shelf life of meat products.

How can you tell if beef bones are spoiled?

To tell if beef bones have gone bad, you should be able to notice any signs of spoilage. Here are some signs for determining whether or not your beef bones have gone bad (1,2,3):

  • Generation of off-odors: Off-odors related to rancidity can be caused by microbial-induced as well as by enzyme-induced oxidation reactions of lipids. Off-odors can be also: fruity, ammonia-like, putrid (sulfuric) and sour
  • Generation of gas: production of gas due to fermentation can cause the bloating of the package
  • Formation of slime on the surface
  • Generation of off-flavors: sour taste, rancid and other off-flavors are possible indications of spoilage 
  • Discoloration: beef bones can turn brown due to the oxidation of pigments. Greenish discoloration can be a result of deterioration processes
  • Loss of firmness: softening of the meat tissue can be a result of degradation processes

What is the shelf life of beef bones?

The shelf life of beef bones varies depending on many factors, especially on their type and how they were handled, whether they are raw or cooked, as well as how they were stored and packaged (1,2,3).

In general, fresh beef bones are expected to have a similar shelf life as fresh beef, that is, a few days stored in the refrigerator. About 3 days is the shelf life of beef in the fridge, when not treated and not packed under special or modified atmosphere packaging (4).

However, in some countries, specific regulations over beef by-products limit the use of fresh refrigerated beef bones to 24 hours after slaughtering. Beef bones should be immediately used or frozen for a maximum period of 8 days.

Modified atmosphere packaging, the use of antioxidants and the irradiation process applied to the meat and meat products are able to extend the shelf life significantly. 

For instance, the shelf life of refrigerated fresh vacuum packed beef is about 30 days. However, no specific scientific reports were found about beef bones. The shelf life will then be specified by the manufacturer.

The shelf life of cooked beef bones is also a few days in the refrigerator, similarly to cooked beef. It can be stored for 3 to 4 days in an airtight food container (5).

Can I freeze beef bones?

Yes, you can freeze beef bones. In fact, in some countries it is allowed to use carcasses and beef bones only within 24 hours or when kept frozen within 8 days after animal slaughtering (2). 

Freezing the beef bones will improve their shelf life, as freezing reduces the rate of oxidative reactions (although is unable to prevent oxidation), as well as halts the growth of microorganisms (1,3).

To thaw frozen beef bones, place it in the refrigerator overnight, to prevent the microbial development during the thawing process or cook them right away in the broth or soup.

What are the risks of eating spoiled beef bones?

The risk of eating spoiled beef bones is of experiencing an episode of foodborne illness. Beef bones are susceptible to contamination by several pathogenic bacteria. The ingestion of contaminated meat or the toxins produced by pathogens can lead to foodborne diseases (1,3,5).

How to safely cook beef bones?

To safely cook beef bones, you should cook to a minimum internal temperature of 160°F (72°C) to effectively eliminate the most critical pathogenic bacteria (Salmonella and L.monocytogenes) (5).

Cooked leftovers should not be kept unrefrigerated for more than 2 hours after being prepared. Reheat cooked beef bones at 165°F (75°C) before eating.

Conclusion

In this brief guide, we have addressed the question “can beef bones go bad,” and other questions about the subject, such as how can you tell if beef bones have gone bad, and how long do beef bones last in the fridge.

Citations

  1. Ruk, Ines. Organoleptic and microbiological alterations in turkey Baader meat. Meso, 2011, 13, 284-290.
  2. Lee, Chai-fen. Storage stability of frozen mechanically separated beef. Diss. Texas Tech University, 1983.
  3. Dave, D., and Abdel E. Ghaly. Meat spoilage mechanisms and preservation techniques: a critical review. Am J Agric Biol Sci, 2011, 6, 486-510.
  4. Food keeper. United States Department of Agriculture.
  5. Beef from farm to table. United States Department of Agriculture.

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