sell by date of 23rd - still use?

[mistermister]

Hi, I have some southern fried chicken gougons that have a sell by date of yesterday on them - not sure whether or not to use them today - they're for my DS and DH - something quick before they go out - would it be risky, I know it's only yesterday but don't want to poison them!! Thanks.

[KirstyJC]

Is it sell by or use by? If it's sell by then you should be fine, if it's use by then it would be a bit more iffy....how have they been stored? If in a sealed packet, and you look closely and can't see any green(!) then I might be tempted...depends how old your DS is and how strong their tummies I suppose!

[mistermister]

sorry,it's use by,, don't think I will risk it - no risk is worth your kids' health, is it?! Thanks.

[Stinkyfeet]

I'd use them without hesitation as long as they didn't smell bad

[overmydeadbody]

it is a sell by date so perfectly ok to eat.

It would not be risky at all.

[RustyBear]

DH used to work for a food research association & says that most sell by dates are a matter of guesswork & companies generally guess on the side of safety (partly to avoid being sued & partly because it means they sell more). Judging by the amount of out of date stuff he eats from our fridge, without apparent ill-effects, he's probably right. I usually tended to let him take the risk though, rather than me or the DC!

[lemonpuff]

Sure use them, no one will die.Sell by and use by dates are completely over rated in my opion, and my boss's too. ¨we have`nt killed anyone yet!!!!

[overmydeadbody]

ok, it's use by.

That is still just an estimatd guide. If they smell fine and you cook them they will be fine.

[IdrisTheDragon]

I'd cook them.

[mistermister]

Thanks, everyone - okay, will decide now!!! My sister thinks I'm too fussy and eats things way past their USE BY date!! I suppose they would have to give themselves some margin of error to cover themselves? Interesting post, Rusty! Just trying to convince myself I'm not an irresponsible mother!!!

[pooexplosions]

Of course they are fine! As long as you have stored them properly they will be fine for a week. The chicken doesn't know the date anyway..things don't suddenly get dangerous at the stroke of midnight on the use by date.

Trust your eyes and your nose. Look at it and smell it, you'll know if its off.

[mistermister]

Thanks, everyone - have used them!! By the way, love the name pooex!!!

[pooexplosions]

sadly accurate name in this house (The dc, i must add, not me!)