"Use By" Dates

[TwoDrifters]

Please help settle an argument that has arisen in our home repeatedly over the years…

I maintain that if food hasn't been used on or by the "use by" date - it should sadly be thrown away.

DH asserts that if you've cooked the item on its "use by" date, then it can safely be stored in the fridge and consumed up to 2-3 days later.

We are talking about things like fresh chicken and raw prawns, things I deem a little "dangerous" for want of a better word!

Who is correct, please, oh wise Mumsnetters? (I am prepared to hang my head in shame at the amount of food wastage over the years if it is me!)

Sorry, your DH is right.

I agree with him I'm afraid! My stepdad is a butcher and would agree but saying that, he has a stomach of steel! My and oh have the same argument, if the breads use by date was today he'd bin it later even though it would be fine for a few days! Forever an argument in our house don't worry about it!

Your DH is mostly right. But there are some foods that are notorious for harbouring nasty bacteria like chicken and fish. Remember that chilling food merely slows down the rate the bugs multiply, and something sat in a bag in the boot of a car for a few hours can rapidly become dangerous before you put it in the fridge. I would be warry of somethings as they near there sell-by date, especially if going to be eaten by a pregnant or nursing mum, or anyone with a poor immune system. As others said, proper cooking will kill of most bacteria, but when prepping it you need to be extra cautious as you can be spreading them all over your kitchen if the food is really infected.
So, you are both right!

I work in the food industry and your Husband is right. So are other posters. It is the case that manufacturers always err on the side of caution, so you could often eat even longer. That being said, if you eat anything after the Used by Date or the Best Before Date and you are not happy with quality etc the retailer/manufacturer does not have to provide any recompense as you've gone against instructions