AboutCarol Schlitt Expertise I can answer questions on home food safety, sanitation, home food preservation and commercial food safety (HACCP).
Experience I am an Extension educator, nutrition, wellness and food safety. I am a certified HACCP manager and a food safety instructor for the Illinois Department of Public Health.
Organizations International Association for Food Protection, American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (Certified CFCS), National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences, Society for Nutrition Education.
Education/Credentials BS - University of Illinois
MS - Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville
Question hello,
i ate a meal last night that said use by September 3rd
but it was frozen...
does that mean that it was ok to eat
ive gone down with something, (sickness)
and wanted to make sure that it isn't food poisoning
can you help me?
Kate
Answer Hi Kate,
As long as the meal was frozen for the entire length of storage before consuming, it should be safe. Dates on food are based on quality issues. The manufacturer has determined that their product has the quality they desire up to Sept. 3. After that time they have determined that the quality begins to go down (texture, color, flavor changes, etc.) These are not harmful changes -- just that their product may not be as desirable as when first purchased.
I'm sorry to hear you are not feeling well. Food borne illness can occur as soon as 30 minutes from consumption of tainted food to up to 6 weeks!!!! So if it is food borne illness you are suffering from, it could have been food you consumed several days or weeks ago -- not necessarily the last food you ate.
Chances are a frozen dinner that remained frozen for the entire time until you cooked it is not the source of your illness.
If you have additional questions, please let me know.
