How long can ground beef stay in the refrigerator before going bad?

(WTVO) — Ground beef is a popular meat bought in supermarkets, but how long does it stay good in the refrigerator?

Ground beef, just like other meats, is perishable and will spoil if left in the fridge for too long.

The USDA says to use refrigerated ground beef within two days, but there may be exceptions based on the color, smell, texture and the use-by date.

The use-by date is considered the last day the beef can be used at its “peak quality.”

So, it is possible that a person could use the meat a day or two past the given date if the beef is not grey on the exterior, does not smell rotten and is not sticky or slimy, according to EatingWell .

The reason why ground beef spoils is because of bacteria, like E. coli, that rapidly multiply when beef is stored in temperatures ranging from 40-140 degrees Fahrenheit.

To avoid ground beef going bad, it should be stored at a temperature of 40 degrees or below. The USDA also suggests keeping the meat on the bottom shelf of the fridge because cross-contamination could occur if juice from the package drips on other foods.

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