cryovac sell by dates?? (baby-backs)

[John Griffin]

I know this subject has been discussed in the past but I need some guidence.

How long past the sell by date can you wait before you the ribs either are smoked or frozen??

I've got a 3 pack in the fridge with a sell by date of Sept 2.


Thanks in advance.

 

[Barry]

How long have they been in the fridge? I go more by how long I plan to keep them in my fridge. If it is going to be more than a couple of days, then I would freeze them and defrost them at least 24 hours before I plan to use them.

It is also important to note the temp in your fridge. It should be in the low 40's.

 

[John Griffin]

They've been in the fridge for a week, and my fridge temp is 38*.

I can't smoke these until Saturday at the earliest.

 

[Guest]

Generally speaking ... most perishables can be kept in a cold 'fridge for several days after the sell-by date. This "at home" time is factored in when the "sell by" date is set. A retailer is required to remove the product once the "sell by" date is reached. And you can freeze them if required to keep longer.

With a 9/02 sell by date, they should still be good till this weekend.

But I'm with Barry - I would have froze them as soon as I knew it'd be the weekend before I could cook them.

 

[Keri C]

Has any air gotten into the cryovac? If the vaccuum is still TIGHT, then you're just fine.

Keri C
Smokin on Tulsa Time

 

[John Griffin]

My seal is still good.

Thank you all for your responses.

John