In this brief guide, we are going to answer the question “Can you eat fish 2 days after the use-by date” with an in-depth analysis of whether or not you can eat fish that is 2 days past the use-by date. Moreover, we are going to discuss the shelf life of fish and different ways to spot spoiled fish.
So without much ado, let’s dive in and figure out more about it.
Can you eat fish 2 days after the use-by date?
According to the USDA, you should consume fish before the use-by date, but whether or not you will eat properly stored fish that is two days past the use-by date (stored at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit the entire time) is mainly dependent on your judgment, but we do not recommend you to eat fish 2 days after the use-by date.
How to do a sensory evaluation of fish?
There are a few clear indicators that indicate if your fish has gone bad. To determine if the fish has gone bad, look at its appearance, color, texture, and smell.
Appearance
If you see mold or other organic growth on your fish or if it is discolored, it’s time to throw it out.
It’s worth noting that you should avoid smelling moldy fish since molds can produce mycotoxins, which can disturb your gut microflora and damage your immune system if they enter your body by inhalation.
Moreover, keep a watchful check on the eyes of the fish. According to the FDA, the eyes of a fresh fish will be clear and bright.
Color
Examining the color of fish might help you identify whether it has rotted or is safe to consume. However, if the exterior surface of the fish is gray or brown, it should be discarded. This discoloration indicates that it has begun to spoil.
Texture
If you touch the fish and it feels sticky, slimy, or gooey, it’s time to throw it out.
It’s worth noting that after handling the bacterium-laden fish, you should wash your hands well to prevent the bacteria from spreading to anything else that comes into contact with your hands.
Smell
If you smell something intensely sour, putrid, or ammonia-like while sniffing your fish, it’s time to throw it out.
Lastly, I do not recommend tasting cooked fish with a foul odor, but if you are brave (and silly) enough, you will notice a significant change in the texture and mouthfeel of the spoiled fish. It will have an off-flavor.
Thus, if the microbes have somehow gotten into your fish and spoiled it, the best thing you can do is throw it out.
What are the exceptions of the use-by date rule?
When it comes to the use-by date, you can use fish that is beyond this date if it was properly frozen (before the use-by date). fish can be stored in the freezer for up to four months.
fish can also be cooked to extend its shelf life a bit.
What is the use-by date?
The ‘use by’ date is the last date on which food can be safely consumed, prepared, or processed after it has been properly stored.
How long can you leave the fish in the fridge?
When properly stored in the fridge at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, raw fish lasts for about 1-2 days while cooked fish lasts for about 3-4 days.
It’s worth noting that the values given above are for fish’s expected shelf life.
How long does fish last at room temperature?
When kept at room temperature, fish lasts for around 2 hours.
Because bacterial growth occurs at a quicker rate between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit, fish left out for more than 2 hours should be discarded.
Furthermore, if the surrounding temperature is around 90 degrees Fahrenheit, the rotting process is accelerated, and fish left out in the open for more than an hour at such temperature should be discarded.
How long does fish last in the freezer?
Fresh fish lasts for 3-8 months if stored in an airtight plastic freezer bag.
As a result, freezing the fish extends its shelf life significantly due to the freezer’s low temperature, which inhibits bacterial growth on the fish.
You can read the benefits of different types of meat here.
Conclusion
In this brief guide, we answered the question “Can you eat fish 2 days after the use-by date” with an in-depth analysis of whether or not you can eat fish that is 2 days past the use-by date. Moreover, we discussed the shelf life of fish and different ways to spot spoiled fish.
Citations
http://www.eatbydate.com/proteins/seafood/fish-shelf-life-expiration-date/