In this brief guide, we are going to answer the question “Can you eat prawns 2 days after the use-by date” with an in-depth analysis of whether or not you can eat prawns that are 2 days past the use-by date. Moreover, we are going to discuss the shelf life of prawns and different ways to spot spoiled prawns.
So without much ado, let’s dive in and figure out more about it.
Can you eat prawns 2 days after the use-by date?
Prawns usually last for about 2-3 days after they have passed their sell-by date. According to the USDA, you should consume prawns before the use-by date. Because there is a high risk of shellfish poisoning from eating seafood that has been contaminated with viruses or bacteria, it is best not to eat prawns 2 days after their use-by date.
How to do a sensory evaluation of prawns?
There are a few clear indicators that indicate if your prawns have gone bad. To determine if the prawns have gone bad, look at their appearance, color, texture, and smell.
Appearance
If you see mold or other organic growth on your prawns or if they are dull or discolored, it’s time to throw them out.
It’s worth noting that you should avoid smelling moldy prawns 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 prawns might help you identify whether it has rotted or is safe to consume. However, if the exterior surface of the prawns is gray or brown, it should be discarded. This discoloration indicates that it has begun to spoil.
Texture
If you touch the prawns and it feels sticky, slimy, or gooey, it’s time to throw them out.
Rinsing the prawns will not help you in this situation because the bacteria will not be removed.
Rinsing the bacterium-laden prawns instead will put you at danger of cross-contamination since the germs will spread through the utensils and other food items that come into touch with the water from the spoiled prawns.
It’s worth noting that after handling the bacterium-laden prawns, 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 prawns, it’s time to throw them out.
Lastly, I do not recommend tasting cooked prawns 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 prawns. It will have an off-flavor.
Thus, if the microbes have somehow gotten into your prawns and spoiled them, the best thing you can do is throw them out.
What are the exceptions of the use-by date rule?
When it comes to the use-by date, you can use prawns that are beyond this date if they were properly frozen (before the use-by date). Prawns can be stored in the freezer for up to four months.
Prawns can also be cooked to extend their 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 prawns in the fridge?
Raw prawns last in the fridge for 2-3 days while cooked prawns last for about 2-3 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 prawns’ expected shelf life.
How long do prawns last at room temperature?
When kept at room temperature, prawns last for around 2 hours.
Because bacterial growth occurs at a quicker rate between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit, prawns 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 prawns left out in the open for more than an hour at such temperature should be discarded.
How long do prawns last in the freezer?
Raw prawns last for 3-6 months while cooked prawns last for about 4 months in the freezer if stored in an airtight plastic freezer bag.
As a result, freezing the prawns extends their shelf life significantly due to the freezer’s low temperature, which inhibits bacterial growth on the prawns.
You can read the benefits of different types of meat here.
Conclusion
In this brief guide, we answered the question “Can you eat prawns 2 days after the use-by date” with an in-depth analysis of whether or not you can eat prawns that are 2 days past the use-by date. Moreover, we discussed the shelf life of prawns and different ways to spot spoiled prawns.