How long can I keep ground beef after sell-by date?

[Anonymous]

This is grass-fed ground beef if it matters. If sell by date was 7/10, and I bought it on 7/8, can I still cook it today?? In theory, it could have been sold today, and what is the difference b/w Whole Foods' fridge and mine? Or do people think that I am taking a risk? I know if it smells bad I will toss it, but often I am not exactly sure how raw meat is supposed to smell...

Thanks for your help!

[Anonymous]

its still fine for today and probably tomorrow. if it looks funny (green or anything like that) I would toss it. otherwise, enjoy. in the future, if you're not going to cook it right away, then freeze it. it'll last for weeks that way.

[Anonymous]

Thanks, PP. I know I should have frozen it...As usual, I had the intention of cooking it the day I bought it.

[Anonymous]

Knowing what beef (and chicken, and milk) is supposed to smell like is a valuable skill. The next time you buy some nice fresh ground beef, take a good hearty whiff. The best way I can describe beef that's starting to go a little south is "tangy".

I think you usually have a little leeway past the expiration date, so if its sell-by date is today, you're fine. Probably fine for another couple days, even, but it varies.

[Anonymous]

They should state, instead of "sell by," "use or freeze by." It would be more clear. Today's fine.