I think the meat might be off SCARED

[clairethebear]

Hi Guys


I am worried about some meat that we have had in the fridge this week that my boyfriend has decided to cook this evening. It is turkey kebabs on skewers with vegetables. It says on the packet to use by today but my boyfriend bought it on Monday of last week and it has been in the fridge since. The meat to me looked a bit dark in places and as it is cooking I don't think it smells that good. I have decided not to eat it but he is going to. What is the meat is off. Should it be slightly brown in places and normal turkey colour in others. I am scared he is going to eat it and get really sick. Help guys. Need some advice. He thinks I am just being stupid but I just can't bring myself to eat it. I am just too scared in case it is off. I hate this phobia.


Claire

[sweetanya]

If it says that the limit date is today, it's because it should be still eatable... Maybe you found that it wasn't smelling good because you was too afraid, don't you think? I know that things like that are horrible...My boyfriend used to eat all what he find in the refrigerator without really looking if it's still ok, but he have never been sick. Just try to don't care, he will probably not be sick! Courage


Marie

[sunshine16]

Don't worry, if the 'use by' date was today, it will still be good. As for the smell, I agree with Maire, your mind can create smells. I know that when I am nervous about seeing v*, I smell the slightest scent of it, even if alone in my room. I used to worry about this but have since realized that it is possible for your brain to create these smells. If you don't eat it, fine, and if yourboyfriend does, that's okay too, he won't be sick. But I know what it's like to worry about expirey dates, I won't eat anything even if it's one day after its use by date!

[Melikasa]

I am not sure if my message is going to come through because my computer has been acting up and I have not had it now for 4 days.

Anways the meat will often go dark in places and if you look at stores sometimes the meat both poultry and red meats go dark. They sometimes are a little dried and oxygen will react with the meat eventually.
The best by date often refers to when it is at its best quality. Though meat in the fridge is best used within 4-5 days of buying it. If you didn't smell anything odd before it was cooked (bad meat is easier to detect when raw and poultry smells BAD[img]smileys/smilies_11.gif[/img]) then I believe it was ok to eat.
If you weren't comfortable then I am sure that that was the best thing to do and not eat it when it has been that long.

[clairethebear]

Thanks guys. I didn't eat the meat but my boyfriend did and he was totally fine. I realise this is stupid but I just can't help it. I hate this phobia cause I missed out on a good meal!

[sunshine16]

Aww don't worry, better safe than sorry! Glad everything was okay, knew it would be.

[buttercup]

If you had eaten it, you probably would have imagined yourself sick all night, so it really wasn't worth it, you did the right thing.

[Melikasa]

That is great to hear. You can look at it two ways. You may have missed a meal but you had a rest east night on the other hand maybe you won't hesitate so much the next time the situation comes up.

[mistydb27]

I read something recently that before cooking chicken pour Listerene mouthwash on it and it kills salmonella bacteria. I cook my food to death so this might be something new to try to help ease our minds about some foods.





Misty

[sarahg]

Doesnt Listerene affect the taste of the meat?


Oh Claire, I sympathise with you. Been in a similar situation to you so many times. Fortunately, my hubbie now sort of understands me but there are occassions when I say I dont want to eat a particular thing (usually after quizzing him on its storage, cooking etc.) and he gets in a strop and throws the lot into the bin.


Strange thing is if someone at work is ill and I am convinced I have caught it I will eat any old rubbish because as far as I am concerned I will probably be ill anyway. Fortunately, been OK each time.


Take care


Sarah xx