Does Freezing Meat ‘Reset' the Expiration Date?
For all the information stuffed into product packaging and nutrition labels, it can be surprisingly hard to know how to navigate basic food safety issues that arise in the kitchen. Like: Does freezing meat and poultry 'reset' the expiration date (a.k.a. the use-by date)? Say, if you buy raw chicken breast that has a use-by date within five days and then freeze it on the fifth, do you have another five days to use it after it thaws—or has the clock already run out?
Theoretical as this question might seem, the stakes could be high. If you wait too long after thawing to finish off the meat or poultry, for example, the quality could deteriorate significantly. That's because spoilage bacteria like Pseudomonads, Lactobacillus, and Enterococcus—which love the cool fridge temps—start to grow. Spoilage bacteria generally don't make you sick, but they will probably yuck up your meat, leading to an 'off' smell and taste. Some types of pathogenic, or disease-causing, bacteria, like Listeria, can fare well in the fridge, too, so it's possible that meat left too long could harbor health risks. That said, the primary concern in this situation isn't foodborne illness, provided the stuff is properly cooked once thawed—rather, it's more of a 'food spoilage issue,' Martin Bucknavage, MS, a senior food safety extension associate at Pennsylvania State University, tells SELF.
Not only is spoiled meat and poultry nasty (you don't want a decaying cutlet stinking up your fridge, much less percolating in your GI tract), it also amounts to a waste of money and food, so it's definitely an outcome you want to avoid. Thankfully, with the right knowledge on freezing best practices, you can do just that.
First, a quick refresher on freezing: The super-cold temp—freezers should be set to zero degrees Fahrenheit or lower—stalls the growth of bacteria and other organisms. Importantly, it doesn't kill these bugs. Rather, it prevents them from multiplying (and further hurting the quality or safety of the item). Depending on kind and cut, frozen meat and poultry is best if used within 3 to 12 months, but it'll stay safe pretty much indefinitely.
With freezing on the table, you no longer have to chuck a, well, package of chuck if your dinner plans change and you don't have time to cook it before its expiration date. It's 'just a great way to save that [item] so you don't have to throw it away,' Bucknavage says.
Helpful as it may be, though, freezing is not a miracle worker: Sorry, but it 'doesn't restart the clock' on your products' expiration dates, Darin Detwiler, PhD, a food safety expert and associate teaching professor at Northeastern University's College of Professional Studies, tells SELF. Yes, freezing will halt the progression of bacterial growth in meat and poultry, but once they thaw, that growth will resume. For an item that's frozen just as it's about to expire, that growth is in all likelihood already pretty far advanced (basically, it's 'already on the way to becoming spoiled,' Bucknavage says), so the countdown is well underway—and the item won't last much longer. So that chicken breast we mentioned earlier? If you buy it five days before the use-by date and freeze it on the day it expires, you don't then have another five days to use it after it thaws, because the resumed bacterial growth will take it past the point of no return within that time frame.
Once full-blown spoilage sets in, you'll likely notice changes to smell, appearance, and texture. 'It may be grayish and feel slightly slimy to the touch,' Bucknavage says. 'There might be a slight to significant odor.' These signs should signal that the item is no longer fit to eat, but if you somehow miss the signs and chow down anyway, you'd probably note a slightly sour to flat-out rancid taste (gross!). Overall? 'It is not going to be good,' Bucknavage says. Unless your product is already contaminated with Listeria (and you don't cook it well), you probably won't develop an infection or anything like that. But the spoilage bacteria can produce byproducts 'that can upset your stomach,' he explains. For example, Pseudomonads and Lactobacillus yield undesirable chemicals like lactic acid and hydrogen sulfide when allowed to flourish unchecked.
So to prevent your thawed meat and poultry from spoiling if you froze them on or around the expiration date, the smartest move is to use such items ASAP. Basically, 'you really want to cook it as soon as you thaw it out,' Bucknavage says—generally, within the day. If you want to be extra careful, shoot for within two hours, as Dr. Detwiler recommends.
That said, 'using' doesn't necessarily have to mean eating. If you don't feel like digging in that same day, you can just cook and then refrigerate (or freeze!) the meal so you can enjoy it at a more convenient time.
Much like freezing itself, cooking is another ingenious workaround that can help you extend the lifespan of your meat and poultry, since the strong heat kills off lurking bacteria. Just make sure that the internal temp reaches the minimum needed to kill pathogens—140 degrees Fahrenheit for red meat, 160 degrees for ground meat, and 165 degrees for poultry. You can use a food thermometer to check. 'Having a good, accurate thermometer is very important,' since 'you cannot tell the right temperature by look or feel or smell,' Dr. Detwiler says. Make sure to refrigerate leftovers within two hours of cooking. And if you're not able to finish them off within three to four days, you can even pop them in the freezer to buy yourself some extra time! That way, all you'd have to do is thaw, heat, and enjoy—on your own clock.
Related:
How to 'Fridgescape' to Keep Your Food Safe, Save Money, and Actually Get Organized
8 Things Food Safety Experts Would Never Do in Their Own Kitchens
Is It Safe to Put Piping-Hot Food in the Fridge, or Should I Let It Cool Down a Bit First?
Get more of SELF's great service journalism delivered right to your inbox.
Originally Appeared on Self
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Associated Press
an hour ago
- Associated Press
Medicaid, food aid recipients worry about safety net cuts in bill sent to Trump
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Supporters of the sweeping tax and spending legislation that Congress has sent to President Donald Trump say the changes to Medicaid, food aid and other programs will encourage personal responsibility and halt those scamming the system. Critics of the bill, given final congressional approval Thursday, say the requirements will upend lives. Here's a look at what people are saying about the bill. Work requirements added for accessing more federal benefits To enroll and stay on Medicaid, many ages 19 through 64 would be required to work, go to school or perform at least 80 hours of community service a month. The Medicaid work requirement would apply to people in 40 states who are enrolled through expanded access that states agreed to put in place since 2014. Ten states, including Texas and Florida, did not expand the program. For the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, which already requires adults ages 18 to 55 to work, working would become mandatory for many until they turn 65. For both benefits, there would be exceptions, including for parents who are caregivers to children under age 14. Most people covered by Medicaid already meet the work requirement or qualify for an exception. The requirements are sparking worry for some enrollees Theresa Gibbs, who lost her job as a school bus driver, is enrolled in both Medicaid and SNAP. She likely would be exempt from the work mandate because she has three children under age 14. But Gibbs said she is applying for jobs anyway. 'I don't think people should just live off the state if they're perfectly capable to work,' said Gibbs, 34, of Jefferson City, Missouri. But the changes worry others. Amanda Hinton, 39, of St. Martins, Missouri, receives Medicaid and SNAP benefits. She puts in enough hours at a part-time gas station job to likely meet the new requirements but is concerned should her fibromyalgia, which causes pain and fatigue, keep her from working for a time. 'I'm panicked. I mean I have some chronic health conditions that are not curable, and I rely on my medication to help me just get through the day,' she said. 'And without my Medicaid, I couldn't afford these.' Brittany Phillips, 32, of Greensboro, North Carolina, said being on Medicaid has helped her stay afloat both financially and health-wise while she works a temporary, remote medical services job paying about $600 weekly. 'I do believe that Medicaid should be available for everyone regardless of who they are -- regardless of capacity, faculty -- everyone should have Medicaid,' she said. It's not just the work requirement; it's also the paperwork The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimates that 11.8 million fewer people could have health insurance by 2034 because of the changes, which also include booting off non-citizens who are not in the U.S. permanently and legally. And that doesn't include those who could lose coverage for other reasons. Advocates say that even people who are covered by exceptions to the work requirement could lose their Medicaid coverage. One major reason is a requirement that people's eligibility would be assessed at least every six months. 'Every additional paper someone has to submit separately from their application,' said Deborah Steinberg, a senior health policy analyst at the Legal Action Center, 'you lose people.' Julia Bennker, who runs an in-home daycare in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, relies on SNAP and Medicaid and has had paperwork issues under existing Medicaid requirements. She said that earlier this year, she didn't have health coverage for a month after she was told her forms were late — though she believes she submitted them on time. That meant going a month without therapy and needing to reschedule another appointment with a prescriber. Some of the conditions that would trigger exceptions — mental illness or substance use disorder — are not currently tallied in Medicaid computer systems. 'It's not like you wave a magic wand and everyone who should be exempt is exempt,' said Hannah Wesolowski, chief advocacy officer for the National Alliance on Mental Illness. States will face pressure - and deadlines - to revamp their programs State health care and social services agencies will have to rework their computer systems to account for the various changes while also dealing with federal funding reductions. That's cause for concern for some health care advocates. The legislation requires all states to shoulder more of the administrative costs of SNAP starting in 2027 and, for the first time, could force some states to pay for a portion of food assistance benefits starting in 2028. States also must implement the Medicaid work requirement by 2027. 'It will be a very tight and difficult timeline for many of these states,' said Sophia Tripoli, senior health policy director at Families USA, a health care advocacy organization. 'There's a huge cost burden on states from the administrative side just to stand up these systems.' Julieanne Taylor, a lawyer at the Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy in North Carolina, said her organization's clients already face delays in verifications for the food program. 'To add more to them, it's going to be a disaster,' she said. 'It's going to cause people to drop off because they're like, 'I don't want to have to do this every year or every six months.'' Rural hospitals could face financial struggles The bill could also put rural hospitals at financial risk, experts say, because it seeks to cap the taxes that states impose on hospitals and other health care providers in a way that boosts Medicaid funding. The nonprofit KFF, which studies health care issues, estimates that Medicaid spending in rural areas would decrease by $155 billion over the next decade under the bill. 'While there are already a number of small and rural hospitals that are vulnerable,' said R. Kyle Kramer, CEO of Day Kimball Hospital in Putnam, Connecticut, 'it's going to lead to a lot of closures.' The bill includes a $50 billion fund to partially offset those reductions. Planned Parenthood would lose federal money Federal taxpayer money is already barred from paying for abortions in most cases. The bill would also ban federal funds going to Planned Parenthood, the nation's largest abortion provider, for other purposes like family planning programs and cancer screenings. The group says that one-third of its roughly 600 clinics across the U.S. could face closure as a result of the legislation, and that states where abortion is legal would be hardest hit. At least one other group says it also stands to lose funding because of the provision. Maine Family Planning has 19 sites and subcontracts with other health care organizations, including Planned Parenthood, to provide services at other locations across the rural state. ___ Mulvihill reported from Cherry Hill, New Jersey. Susan Haigh in Hartford, Connecticut, and Gary D. Robertson in Raleigh, North Carolina, contributed to this report.
Forbes
an hour ago
- Forbes
The Best Pregnancy Compression Socks To Relieve Swollen Legs And Feet
Pregnancy can mean the swelling of, well, just about everything—feet and legs included. The thought of a tight-fitting sock may not spark joy, but the best pregnancy compression socks are easy to get on and off, breathable and feel great all day long. They can increase blood flow and alleviate such conditions as leg edema or cramps, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and blood clots. Our top pick, the Comrad Knee-High Compression Socks, are breathable and comfortable and available in a wide range of sizes. If you want more than one pair to use for the duration of your pregnancy, our budget pick, the Charmking Compression Socks, comes in a convenient eight-pack. The best pregnancy compression socks are as comfortable as they are effective. Illustration: Forbes / Photo: Retailers 'Compression socks are specialized stockings that help improve blood flow and support the lower legs and feet. It is often one of the recommendations for pregnant women who are experiencing uncomplicated bilateral swelling of the legs and feet,' says OB-GYN Dr. Donna G. Baick, an associate clinical professor at UC Irvine School of Medicine. 'For some, this edema can be painful and bothersome, leading to varicose veins.' After speaking with two OB-GYNs and other moms, we've curated the best pregnancy compression socks—read on to see why they stand out. Material: 91% nylon, 9% spandex | Sizes: Small, medium, large, x-large; regular and wide calf options | Compression level: 15 to 20 mmHg These comfortable compression socks are effective and comfortable. Made with a thin and breathable moisture-wicking nylon-blend fabric that's great for hot days, exercise, working from home or travel, it's a versatile pair you can use all pregnancy long. With 15 to 20 mmHG of graduated compression (meaning they're more compressive at the ankle, then less so as it goes up the leg), they're appropriate for most occasions. According to double board-certified OB-GYN Dr. Kecia Gaither of New York, 'Knee-high graduated compression socks are the most common and effective for pregnancy-related swelling and vein issues.' Padded heels and toes help prevent blisters and provide extra comfort for tired pregnancy feet. Forbes Vetted deputy editor and mom of two Jane Sung took several long-haul flights throughout her pregnancy and found these compression socks really helped prevent leg swelling. 'I like that the Comrad socks come in plenty of neutrals, cute stripes and some brighter colors if you want that,' she says, indicating the over 25 different patterns and colors it's available in. She does note that they're 'not the most fun to put on,' but that once they're on, 'you forget you're wearing them.' She also used them postpartum when she noticed ankle swelling. For added convenience, the Comrad socks are machine-washable and available in both regular and wide calf sizes. Amazon Sockwell Moderate Graduated Compression Sock Material: 32% merino wool, 31% bamboo rayon, 32% stretch nylon, 5% spandex | Sizes: Small/medium, medium/large | Compression level: 15 to 20 mmHg Legs and feet tend to swell while flying or sitting for a long time in a car or train, and pregnancy makes it that much worse. The moderate graduated compression (15 to 20 mmHG) of these Sockwell compression socks relieves uncomfortable legs and keeps blood circulating even when sitting for a long tim—without being too tight on top. A seamless toe means there's nothing to potentially irritate you on the inside. These breathable socks are made in the U.S. with a blend of merino wool, bamboo rayon, nylon and spandex. The brand offers a wide variety of compression socks in different firmness levels if you require more pressure and lots of fun patterns—which makes the decidedly unexciting idea of wearing compression socks a little more appealing. I've personally found the Sockwell compression socks to be durable and comfortable once on, helping with the typical leg swelling many people experience when they fly. They also have a great return policy: If for some reason you don't love them, you can return them for a full refund within 60 days. Material: 85% nylon, 15% spandex | Sizes: Small/medium, large/x-large| Compression level: 15 to 20 mmHg If you know you're at high risk for conditions like DVT or leg edema that require you to wear compression socks around the clock, you might not want to be shelling out $30+ for each pair. Charmking compression socks come in a pack of eight pairs for just $20, so there's always a clean pair waiting for you. With over 35 different styles to choose from, there's a pack to suit every aesthetic. The socks are available in small/medium or large/x-large sizes and offer a moderate amount of 15 to 20 mmHg pressure. It's a popular choice with over 13,000 5-star Amazon reviews for those seeking a budget-friendly option. Amazon Zensah Tech+ Compression Socks Material: 82% polyamide, 18% elastane | Sizes: Small, medium, large, x-large | Compression level: 15 to 20 mmHg The problem with many compression socks is that after a few hours, your legs or feet can start feeling a little sweaty due to the tight fit—less than ideal when you're working out (or just being pregnant in general). The Zensah Tech+ compression socks are designed to be used during exercise and made of a lightweight, moisture-wicking fabric. They're also comfortable and super soft to the touch. A seamless toe means no possibility of chafing or blistering and, unlike many other socks in general, these are designed with a specific sock for your left foot and one for your right to ensure a truly secure fit. They are definitely on the pricier side, but if you're someone who plans to exercise frequently throughout your pregnancy and at risk for clots or DVT, they're worth the splurge. Material: 66% Supima cotton, 17% polyester, 10% elastane, 7% nylon | Sizes: Small, medium, large | Compression level: 15 to 20 mmHg Bombas are known for their durable, aesthetically pleasing and comfortable premium socks, and their compression socks are no exception. They have the same modern yet slightly retro vibes as their regular socks, with a moderate 15 to 20 mmHg compression. If you need more pressure, the brand also has a Performance Compression Sock with a compression level of 20 to 30 mmHg. All of their compression socks feature their proprietary honeycomb arch support and seamless toes, both of which I, as a daily user of their regular socks, find super cushy and supportive. A band at the top keeps the socks from slipping down, even as your legs may swell more throughout the day. Note that their socks tend to be thicker than other socks, which is great in terms of durability and comfort—and they are very breathable—but it's something to consider during the summer months when even the thought of one more layer is simply unbearable. Amazon Kindred Bravely Compression Socks (2-Pack) Material: 60% viscose derived from bamboo, 15% spandex, 23% elastane, 2% nylon | Sizes: Small (regular calf), large (wide calf) | Compression level: 20 to 30 mmHg Kindred Bravely is known for its beloved maternity wear that's as functional as it is stylish, and their compression socks don't disappoint. Made of a super soft bamboo fabric, they're stretchy, comfortable and easy to get on and off. The bamboo is also a naturally moisture-wicking material for added comfort. The two-pack of socks is an affordable $30 and cuter than your average compression socks. A generously cushioned sole adds to the coziness. For some pregnant people, pulling on compression socks over swollen calves can be a challenge. Luckily, the Kindred Bravely pairs come in both small calf and large calf sizes to make the process easier. They don't come in any other sizes, however, so if you're in between, finding the perfect fit may be a bit harder. At Forbes Vetted, the kids and baby gear team is committed to hands-on testing, thoroughly researching and applying expert feedback in order to find the best products. The author of this article, Esther Carlstone , is a longtime parenting editor and mom of three who has extensively covered maternity and baby products including the best bottle sterilizers and the best infant life jackets . , is a longtime parenting editor and mom of three who has extensively covered maternity and baby products including the and the . The story was edited by Forbes Vetted commerce editor Christine Colby, who has several years of experience with consumer product testing and recommendations. She recently spearheaded a test of the best patio umbrellas, reviewed the Titan Plus Luxe Mattress and covered the best cooling blankets for hot sleepers. We interviewed two OB-GYNs: Donna G. Baick , associate clinical professor at UC Irvine School of Medicine, and Kecia Gaither , double board-certified in OB-GYN and Maternal Fetal Medicine and director of perinatal services/maternal fetal medicine at NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln in Bronx, New York. They shared their thoughts on what features pregnant women should consider when shopping for compression socks and what conditions these socks may help address or alleviate. , associate clinical professor at UC Irvine School of Medicine, and , double board-certified in OB-GYN and Maternal Fetal Medicine and director of perinatal services/maternal fetal medicine at NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln in Bronx, New York. They shared their thoughts on what features pregnant women should consider when shopping for compression socks and what conditions these socks may help address or alleviate. We regularly review and update our content to ensure its accuracy and relevance. This article was first published in June 2025. In order to find the best pregnancy compression socks, we combined feedback from our network of parents (including ourselves), market research and information from the experts we interviewed. Here's a more in-depth look into our selection process. We spoke with other parents to see which compression socks they used during their pregnancies and noted any brands that came up repeatedly—and why. We considered input from the two OB-GYNs we consulted, Baick and Gaither, and factored in their insights. We combed through online reviews of various compression socks and only considered ones that were rated at least a 4 out of 5 stars by hundreds of reviewers on Amazon and other retail sites. We particularly honed in on reviews from people who used them during pregnancy. We compared specs of the various pregnancy compression socks out on the market right now. Compression levels are measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and come in two versions: 15 to 20 mmHg (moderate) or 20 to 30 mmHg (firm). They also come in graduated compression, where it is tightest at the ankle then less compressive as the sock goes up the leg, which can help with edema or varicose veins, and uniform compression. All of our picks are graduated compression socks, as they tend to alleviate issues common to pregnancy. 'Compressions are graduated which are tighter at the ankle and gradually decreases upward. The 15 to 20 mmHg compression socks offer milder support and may be more comfortable and best for mild swelling,' says Baick. 'The 20 to 30 mmHg provides more support and may be better for pregnant women with varicose veins and more swelling. Whatever you choose, you should consult with your provider to determine if compression socks are appropriate for you and to review proper type and fitting,' she says. Breathability Only you know how easily you get sweaty and how much breathability you need to be comfortable. Look for socks made with more naturally breathable fabrics like cotton or blends utilizing bamboo, wool or polyester that may also be moisture-wicking to help you feel dry. Easy On/Off If a compression sock is too difficult to simply get on and off, the chances of you wearing them regularly goes down. Both experts warn that you also don't want to get compression socks that are too tight, as that can increase the chances of blood clots. You might try ordering multiple sizes at first and returning the ones that don't fit. What Kind Of Compression Socks Are Best For Pregnancy? 'The compression sock should not be restrictive or too tight, especially around the knee. They're usually available in knee-high, thigh-high and full length. Women should choose what is most comfortable for them or consult their provider to assure proper fitting and use,' says Baick. 'Too much restriction on the lower leg may increase risk for blood clots.' Which Is Better: 15 To 20 mmHg Or 20 To 30 mmHg Compression Socks? 'Socks 15 to 20 mmHg are a good starting point—safe for daily use and the type most often recommended. Socks with a higher level of compression may be needed for more severe symptoms, but as with anything, speak with your health-care provider first,' says Gaither. According to Baick, 'The 20 to 30 mmHg pairs provide more support and may be better for pregnant women with varicose veins and more swelling,' but also reiterates to check with your doctor first before selecting. Is It A Good Idea To Wear Compression Socks While Pregnant? 'Not all pregnant women need compression socks, but [they] can benefit from them, particularly if they are at risk for DVTs and varicosities,' says Gaither. She says they're particularly recommended for those who sit or stand for extended periods of time, have significant edema, have a history of DVT or venous insufficiency or those who experience leg pain or leg cramps during pregnancy.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Venus Williams reveals she dealt with painful fibroids for decades: ‘I never had enough energy'
Venus Williams reveals she dealt with painful fibroids for decades: 'I never had enough energy' Venus Williams, one of the most successful tennis stars and decorated athletes in history, has revealed that she has dealt with a painful medical condition most of her life. Williams, who has four Olympic gold medals and seven Grand Slam titles, opened up about her painful struggle with uterine fibroids, noncancerous growths on the uterus that can cause heavy menstrual bleeding and discomfort. Advertisement 'I remember playing my first French Open, at the time I was 16,' Williams told SELF. 'Before the second round, I was waiting for my match and I was just hugging the toilet bowl. I was losing my lunch over period pains.' Fibroids affect 40 percent to 80 percent of people with a uterus, and Black women are two to three times more likely to get them. Williams revealed to NBC's Zinhle Essamuah that before winning her sixth doubles match with sister Serena Williams at Wimbledon in 2016, she was 'just laying on the floor in the locker room. Like, it's gonna pass, it's gonna pass. And thank God Serena got the doctor, and I was able to get up and eat and start playing.' Williams would also constantly have to pack extra pads, tampons, underwear and clothes due to her heavy periods. Advertisement 'I never had enough energy, most times, to play a real match the way I wanted to,' Williams told Essamuah. Williams says she went undiagnosed for years until a gynaecologist confirmed she had fibroids in 2016, and that the only treatment option recommended to her was a hysterectomy, which she turned down. She took prescription painkillers to manage the pain. 'I had those pills with me everywhere,' Williams said. 'I could never be caught anywhere without my pain pills. Getting caught in that kind of pain is a disaster.' While doing her own research, Williams eventually met Dr. Taraneh Shirazian, who last year performed a myomectomy, a surgical procedure that removes the fibroids while preserving the uterus. The surgery was successful, and Williams said her quality of life has improved. Advertisement 'As a patient, you have to be your own advocate,' she told SELF. 'If you don't know what's wrong with you in the first place, you never even know to bring it up.' This article originally appeared in The Athletic. Culture, Tennis, Women's Tennis 2025 The Athletic Media Company
