Your guide to expired breakfast sausage: myths, risks, and the cold hard facts
What To Know
- Fresh sausage should be refrigerated at all times, while precooked sausage can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer.
- If you’re not sure whether or not breakfast sausage is safe to eat, it’s best to err on the side of caution and throw it out.
- What should I do if I think I have foodborne illness.
Breakfast sausage is a popular breakfast staple, but what happens when it’s past its expiration date? Can you still eat it, or is it time to toss it?
The answer to this question depends on several factors, including the type of sausage, how it’s been stored, and how long it’s been past its expiration date.
Types of Breakfast Sausage
There are two main types of breakfast sausage: fresh and precooked. Fresh sausage is typically made from ground pork, while precooked sausage is made from ground pork that has been cooked and then smoked or seasoned.
Storage of Breakfast Sausage
How breakfast sausage is stored also affects its shelf life. Fresh sausage should be refrigerated at all times, while precooked sausage can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer.
Expiration Dates
Expiration dates are not exact science. They are simply estimates of how long a food will remain safe to eat. For breakfast sausage, the expiration date is typically based on the date it was packaged.
Signs of Spoilage
There are several signs that breakfast sausage has gone bad. These include:
- An off odor
- A slimy texture
- A change in color
- Mold
If you see any of these signs, it’s best to throw the sausage away.
Risks of Eating Expired Breakfast Sausage
Eating expired breakfast sausage can cause foodborne illness. Symptoms of foodborne illness can include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Cramps
- Fever
In severe cases, foodborne illness can be life-threatening.
When in Doubt, Throw It Out
If you’re not sure whether or not breakfast sausage is safe to eat, it’s best to err on the side of caution and throw it out. Eating expired food can cause foodborne illness, which can be serious and even life-threatening.
What to Do with Expired Breakfast Sausage
If you have expired breakfast sausage, there are a few things you can do with it:
- Compost it. Expired breakfast sausage can be composted with other food scraps.
- Feed it to your pets. Some pets can eat expired breakfast sausage, but it’s important to check with your veterinarian first.
- Throw it away. If you’re not comfortable composting or feeding expired breakfast sausage to your pets, throw it away.
What You Need to Learn
1. How long does breakfast sausage last in the refrigerator?
Fresh breakfast sausage will last in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. Precooked breakfast sausage will last in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
2. How long does breakfast sausage last in the freezer?
Fresh breakfast sausage will last in the freezer for 2-3 months. Precooked breakfast sausage will last in the freezer for 4-6 months.
3. Can I eat breakfast sausage that has been frozen and thawed?
Yes, you can eat breakfast sausage that has been frozen and thawed. However, it’s important to cook it thoroughly before eating it.
4. What are the symptoms of foodborne illness?
Symptoms of foodborne illness can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, cramps, and fever. In severe cases, foodborne illness can be life-threatening.
5. What should I do if I think I have foodborne illness?
If you think you have foodborne illness, it’s important to see a doctor right away.
