In this brief guide, we’ll address the search query: “Can you eat pork 2 days after the use-by date?” Also, we’ll explore how pork can be stored, what the nutritional content of pork is, how to tell if pork has spoiled, and what are the risks of eating spoiled pork.
Can you eat pork 2 days after the use-by date?
Our readers may be able to cook and eat pork meat two days after the expiration date has elapsed, though this will depend on the state of the meat, rather than the indicated date.
If the pork begins to show signs of decay, our readers should discard the meat and thoroughly clean any surfaces it came into contact with, using soap and running water.
This applies both to raw and cooked meat. Use-by dates are estimates of the point in time at which the quality of the meat will begin to decline, and not a strict limit that says when a product should be discarded.
How can I store pork?
Pork, both cooked and raw, should be stored in refrigeration, or frozen.
In refrigeration, raw pork should be stored in a sealed container, such as its original packaging, or within a Tupperware-style container, which will keep it from bleeding onto the fridge shelf. Refrigerated
Cooked pork can be stored in a dish covered with plastic cling wrap, or in a Tupperware. Where it’ll keep for up to up to four days.
Alternatively, pork can be frozen for long-term storage. Cooked pork can be stored for up to six months at peak freshness, and raw pork can be frozen for up to one year at peak freshness.
Regardless of whether it is cooked or raw, the procedure for freezing pork is simple. The portions can be covered in cling wrap, and then placed in a tight-sealing container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Our users need to avoid letting their pork come into contact with frigid air, as this has desiccating effects that can affect its texture.
What is the nutritional content of pork?
On average, an 85-gram portion of pork will provide:
- 202 calories – of which 106 are sourced from fat
- 22 grams of protein
- 12 grams of fat (18% of the RDI) – of which 4.2 grams are saturated fat, 0.1 grams are trans fat, 1.3 grams are polyunsaturated fat, and 5.1 grams are monounsaturated fat
- 0 grams of carbohydrates
- 75 milligrams of cholesterol (25% of the RDI)
- 48 milligrams of sodium (2% of the RDI)
- 290 milligrams of potassium (8% of the RDI)
Additionally, the same portion can provide trace amounts of vitamin A, and vitamin C, along with 1.1% of the RDI of calcium, and 5.2% of iron.
*Recommended daily intake values are calculated using a 2000 calories per day diet as a reference. An individual’s exact needs may vary. We recommend that our readers consult with a certified nutritionist to determine what their exact needs are.
How can I tell if pork has spoiled?
Pork has spoiled if it shows tell-tale signs, such as giving off a questionable or foul smell, having a slimy texture, discolored, or showing signs of microbial growth, such as bacterial colonies and mold.
Spoiled meat should rapidly be discarded, and should not be fed to pets or animals in captivity, as it can trigger toxicoses, such as liver failure and symptoms of food poisoning.
We recommend that our readers seal it in a tight bag and dispose of it in the trash.
What are the risks of eating spoiled pork?
The risks of eating spoiled pork include suffering symptoms of food poisoning, namely:
- Fever
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Dehydration – and many symptoms associated with dehydration, such as headaches, muscle aches, low blood pressure, etc.
Groups that are especially at risk when suffering symptoms of food poisoning include the elderly, pregnant women, young children, and immunocompromised patients.
In severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary to address dehydration, and a course of antibiotics may be prescribed by a doctor to treat bacterial infections.
We urge our readers to prioritize their health and only consume food that they know to be innocuous or is otherwise sourced from reputable suppliers.
Conclusion
In this brief guide, we’ll address the search query: “Can you eat pork 2 days after the use-by date?” Also, we’ll explore how pork can be stored, what the nutritional content of pork is, how to tell if pork has spoiled, and what are the risks of eating spoiled pork.