Is it okay to use brown mince?

[CoffeeMum]

Have just opened two packets of beef mince to make a bologneise [sp?] for tonight and it's brown instead of the usual red. Is it okay to use it? It's on the last day of the use by date today, and it's from Sainsburys, so not too dodgy!

It seems to smell fine, but i'm a bit wary as it will be feeding the toddler and baby aswell.

Thanks in advance

It will be fine. Meat goes brown when it has less contact with oxygen during processing. The more red it is the more oxymyoglobin it has.

If it feels slimy or tacky to touch then bin it. But most sell by dates are a guide only.

It'll smell a bit odd when you cook it and I'm sure we used to get fed this when I was younger all the time!

Having said that, I would've take it back to Sainsbury's before this weather and replaced it. I didn't give my DC anything remotely dodgy as their stomachs are more sensitive and wouldn't want the inevitable bouts of sickness (and guilt) that would no doubt follow.

Brown would reflect a certain ageing / exposure to air but not necessarily harmful. If the packs were still sealed and not obviously opened / split then it should be fine. If in doubt and if you have options / can afford it - perhaps do not give to v. young.

But if you cook mince thoroughly before adding sauce then boil / simmer well after adding sauce - it should be safe - as you say it is not smelling and is still within use by dates (which are always very conservative).

hope this helps

p.s. If you saw it on the shelf in the supermarket, would you buy it in that state?

Thanks all - it does seem completely fine apart from the brown colour, so I think we will risk it [myself and DH], but not give it to the kids - not worth the risk as you all say.

Morag - no probably wouldn't buy it from the shelf in all honesty, but i'm thinking that it's just the colour that's the issue[which seems okay according to other posters] so if it's simmered for ages, it'll probably be okay for adults.

Thanks for your replies!