Food safety expert Sylvia Anderson from England said that it would be better to freeze meat products after the New Year’s Eve. Additionally, the expert advised understanding the difference between “best before” and “use before” labels, reported Daily mail.
The expert explained that expiration dates are indicated on the packaging of most food products and there are recommendations for consumption within a certain period of time. The latter is mostly used for perishable foods such as meat, fish, pates and ready-made salads. The length of time food should be consumed is determined by laboratory tests that monitor the accumulation of potentially harmful pathogens in foods. Therefore, for safety reasons, these must be strictly adhered to.
Most manufacturers are careful when determining expiration dates for products. However, dry desserts containing sugar, dried fruits and alcohol can be stored longer. These products are natural preservatives. Fresh fruit and cream desserts should be consumed within the expiration date, because the “wetter” the product, the more likely it is to mold and the shorter the shelf life.
The expert also said that high-protein foods such as nuts, eggs and butter are more prone to mold, oxidation and sour taste when stored in a hot and humid atmosphere.
After a New Year’s feast, Anderson recommended freezing meat dishes and ground meat until next use. However, you should not leave such foods on the counter or in the refrigerator for too long before freezing.