If I have chopmeat with a "sell by" date of Friday, July 31, can I still use it today?

What do you think? I didn't open it, it has been in my fridge since Wed pm when I bought it. Sell by date was Friday, so is it still good today? Anyone know?

Re: If I have chopmeat with a "sell by" date of Friday, July 31, can I still use it today?

I wouldn't

Message edited 8/2/2009 5:09:11 PM.

Re: If I have chopmeat with a "sell by" date of Friday, July 31, can I still use it today?

Smell it when you open it. Color is really no indication. Chop meat is actually a greyish color, but the pink-red color is an additive.

ETA: I would use it if I thought it smelled ok.

Message edited 8/2/2009 5:10:34 PM.

Re: If I have chopmeat with a "sell by" date of Friday, July 31, can I still use it today?

Re: If I have chopmeat with a "sell by" date of Friday, July 31, can I still use it today?

Thanks

Re: If I have chopmeat with a "sell by" date of Friday, July 31, can I still use it today?

if it is bad, it will definately have a smell to it.

If it has been properly refrigerated the entire time (not just at your house but also at store before you bought it), it should be ok....but give it a smell for sure!

Re: If I have chopmeat with a "sell by" date of Friday, July 31, can I still use it today?

It is likely fine. Meat is usually good for 2-3 days past the sell by date. If you freeze it on the last sell by date you can eat it 2 months later! Ground meat should smell 'meaty'. Rancid meat smells putrid - you'll know it right away and there is no question. My sister sometimes goes "Does this smell bad?" and I'll say "If you have to ask anyone else it isn't bad!"