Can you eat pork 2 days after use by date?

In this article, we answer the following question: Can you eat pork 2 days after use by date? We discuss the expiration date of meat and the dangers of eating it out of date.

Can you eat pork 2 days after use by date?

Yes, you can eat pork 2 days after the use-by date, if there is no evident sign of spoilage. Pork meat is very perishable and susceptible to spoilage by many types of bacteria and other microorganisms, as well as to be infected by viruses. 

Before eating a pork meat 2 days after the use-by date, you should be sure that it is not spoiled and properly cook the meat prior to its consumption (1). 

However, if the food was correctly handled and kept refrigerated or frozen, it can be consumed after the use-by date or even after the expiration date. Generally, the spoilage of food is noticeable by the alterations of its properties, which causes off-odors, discoloration and others (2).

If you suspect that the pork is spoiled, do not consume it.

What are the risks of eating ham 2 days after the use-by date?

The risk of eating pork 2 days after the use-by date is of experiencing a foodborne disease. 

Pork can be a host of pathogenic microorganisms, including Salmonella spp., Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxin, Yersinia enterocolitica, enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli, Campylobacter spp., Clostridium perfringens, Bacillus cereus and other Bacillus species, and Hepatitis E virus. 

The consumption of pork meat is associated with a high incidence of causing foodborne outbreaks (3).

Consuming infected pork meat or the toxins produced by these microorganisms may cause foodborne illnesses, with possible symptoms being nausea, diarrhea and vomiting (7). 

In addition, the nutritional properties of food change with time and it is possible that pork 2 days after the use by date does not have the same nutritional quality as fresh pork. 

What is the shelf life of pork? 

The shelf life of pork may vary, depending on the cut, the packaging material and the storage conditions, and the initial microbial load of the meat. Temperature fluctuations during storage can result in shorter shelf lives. In addition, by freezing the product, its shelf life can be extended for over 6 months (1,3,5). 

According to the United States Department of Agriculture, the shelf life of different pork cuts is:

ProductShelf life in the refrigeratorShelf life in the freezer
Fresh pork roast, steaks, chops or ribs3 to 5 days4 to 6 months
Fresh pork liver or variety meats1 to 2 days3 to 4 months
Home cooked pork; soups, stews or casseroles3 to 4 days2 to 3 months
Store-cooked convenience meals1 to 2 days2 to 3 months
Frozen Dinners & EntreesKeep frozen before cooking3 to 4 months
Canned pork products in pantry2 to 5 years in pantry; 3 to 4 days after openingAfter opening, 2 to 3 months

How to tell if pork is spoiled? 

To know if pork is spoiled you should be able to identify possible signs of spoilage. Deterioration of pork is usually caused by Escherichia coli, Salmonella, Staphylococcus aureus, Yersinia enterocolitica and Listeria monocytogenes, Yeasts and Molds, which leave certain indicators in the color, texture, and smell of the pork meat (1).

Some of the indicators are (1,2,3,5,6):

Color 

Discoloration is a sign of spoilage and can be caused by rancidity or by the action of bacteria and molds. Green or gray discoloration of the meat is an indication of spoilage by bacteria, while the loss of redness and browning are signs of oxidation

Texture 

The formation of a slimy texture on the surface of the pork is a sign of spoilage, caused by the growth of bacteria, such as Micrococcus spp. or others, which develop biofilm on the product. The alteration of the original firm texture to a pasty texture is also a noticeable sign of spoilage 

Smell 

Off-odors related to spoiled pork are characterized as foul-smelling odors, rancid, pungent and intense or even putrid

Gas production 

The formation of gas can be caused by bacteria and is noticeable by the bloating of packaging

How to safely handle pork?

To safely handle pork and reduce the risks of spoilage and foodborne illnesses, it is necessary to follow the instructions provided by the United States Department of Agriculture regarding the safety use of pork meat (1,4):

  • To prepare pork meat, wash hands properly using soap and running water
  • Wash all the utensils and equipment to be used and avoid handling other food items to prevent cross-contamination
  • Refrigerate pork meat after purchase and use within 5 days or freeze it
  • Fresh minced pork meat should be cooked within 2 days or frozen
  • To cook pork meat, use a temperature of 145°F or higher
  • For minced pork meat or organs, such as heart, kidney, liver, tongue, you should use temperatures of 160°F or above
  • To freeze pork meat, wrap it in a foil and place it in a plastic freezer bag or container to reduce the contact with the air
  • Leftover pork meat should be always reheated prior to consumption to a temperature of 165°F or higher
  • To thaw frozen pork, place it in the refrigerator overnight

Conclusions

In this article, we answered the following question: Can you eat pork 2 days after use by date? We discussed the expiration date of meat and the dangers of eating it out of date.

When cooking meat remember to use your senses: Does it look good? Does it smell good? Does it taste good?  Discard the product if in doubt. In particular minced meat, because the surface of the meat with the air is increased, which thus increases the risk of the development of bacteria such as salmonella, listeria, or staphylococci. 

These bacteria cause digestive disorders and other symptoms. 

Citations 

  1. Fresh Pork from Farm to Table. United States Department of Agriculture.
  2. Food Product Dating. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). 2019
  3. Mataragas, M., P. N. Skandamis, and E. H. Drosinos. Risk profiles of pork and poultry meat and risk ratings of various pathogen/product combinations. Int j food microbiol, 2008, 126, 1-12.
  4. Leftovers and Food Safety. United States Department of Agriculture.
  5. Sun, Xiang Dong, and Richard A. Holley. Antimicrobial and antioxidative strategies to reduce pathogens and extend the shelf life of fresh red meats. Comprehen rev food sci food safety, 2012, 11, 340-354.  
  6. Rawat, Seema. Food Spoilage: Microorganisms and their prevention. Asian j plant sci Res, 2015, 5, 47-56.
  7. Foodborne Illness and Disease. United States Department of Agriculture.

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