In this brief guide, we are going to answer the question “Can you eat lamb 2 days after the use-by date” with an in-depth analysis of whether or not you can eat the lamb that is 2 days past the use-by date. Moreover, we are going to discuss the shelf life of lamb and different ways to spot spoiled lamb.
So without much ado, let’s dive in and figure out more about it.
Can you eat lamb 2 days after the use-by date?
According to the USDA, you should consume lamb before the use-by date, but whether or not you will eat properly stored lamb that is two days past the use-by date (stored at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit the entire time) is dependent on your judgment (you should do a sensory evaluation of lamb).
How to do a sensory evaluation of lamb?
There are a few clear indicators that indicate if your lamb has gone bad. To determine if the lamb has gone bad, look at its appearance, color, texture, and smell.
Appearance
If you see mold or other organic growth on your lamb or if it is discolored, it’s time to throw it out.
It’s worth noting that you should avoid smelling moldy lamb since molds can produce mycotoxins, which can disturb your gut microflora and damage your immune system if they enter your body by inhalation.
Color
Examining the color of lamb might help you identify whether it has rotted or is safe to consume. The outside of good grade, unspoiled lamb purchased from the supermarket should be bright red.
However, if the exterior surface of the lamb is gray or brown, it should be discarded. This discoloration indicates that it has begun to spoil.
Texture
If you touch the lamb and it feels sticky, slimy, or gooey, it’s time to throw it out.
It’s worth noting that after handling the bacterium-laden lamb, 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 sour or ammonia-like while sniffing your lamb, it’s time to throw it out.
Lastly, I do not recommend tasting cooked lamb 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 lamb. It will have an off-flavor.
Thus, if the microbes have somehow gotten into your lamb and spoiled it, the best thing you can do is throw it out.
What are the exceptions to the use-by date rule?
When it comes to the use-by date, you can use lamb that is beyond this date if it was properly frozen (before the use-by date). lamb can be stored in the freezer for up to four months.
lamb 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 lamb in the fridge?
Raw lamb lasts in the fridge for 3-5 days while cooked lamb lasts for about 3-4 days if kept at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. It should be kept in plastic zipper bags on one of the refrigerator’s shelves.
It’s worth noting that the values given above are for lamb’s expected shelf life.
How long does lamb last at room temperature?
When kept at room temperature, lamb lasts for around 2 hours.
Because bacterial growth occurs at a quicker rate between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit, lamb 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 lamb left out in the open for more than an hour at such temperature should be discarded.
How long does lamb last in the freezer?
Raw lamb lasts for 6 months while cooked lamb lasts for about 3-4 months in the freezer if stored in an airtight plastic freezer bag, although it is best consumed within 1-2 months for the best quality and taste.
As a result, freezing the lamb extends its shelf life significantly due to the freezer’s low temperature, which inhibits bacterial growth on the lamb.
You can read the benefits of different types of meat here.
Conclusion
In this brief guide, we answered the question “Can you eat lamb 2 days after the use-by date” with an in-depth analysis of whether or not you can eat the lamb that is 2 days past the use-by date. Moreover, we discussed the shelf life of lamb and different ways to spot spoiled lamb.