by F.D.A., The best before date is the date that indicates the best quality of meat or other food. In contrast, sell-by dates are used to indicate the last date a store will sell a product. Neither is a safe deadline. That is, the meat after that should be safe to eat, but the quality will be reduced.
These two dates are also different from the expiration date. University of Connecticut, is a signal when food is actually expired and no longer fit to eat. There is also a freeze date, which lets customers know the last date they want their meat frozen.
It is important to understand this sometimes confusing terminology. It helps you understand the freshness and quality of the meat. The FDA reports that several factors determine these dates, including temperature and length of distribution. However, freezing meat allows you to preserve it well past its best-before or best-before date. According to , meat and other foods can be stored indefinitely when frozen at 0 degrees Fahrenheit. F.D.A.. However, long-term use may reduce the quality of the meat. From a quality standpoint, most meat can be stored for a few months to a year, depending on the cut of meat.
