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WSU Thurston County

720 Sleater Kinney Rd

Lacey WA  98503

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Washington State University ExtensionThurston County

Thurston County Extension

Food Safety:  Package Food

 

Pay Attention to Dates on Hot Dogs

The Olympian, July 1, 1998

QUESTION:  I've noticed a date on hot dog packages.  What does it mean?

ANSWER:  While product dating is voluntary, many food processors will date packages of hot dogs:

  • Packing date:  Date of manufacturing, processing or final packaging.

  • Sell-by date:  Last day a store may offer the food.  You have approximately five to seven days past sell-by date to use the hot dogs if you handle them properly.

  • Use-by date:  date after which peak quality of product lessens, but product may still be used.

  • Expiration date:  marks end of product's useful life or the last day to be used.  It's important to read the label, understand the dating system, and use it to serve the safe, quality products to your family.

QUESTION:  How long can I safely store hot dogs?

 

ANSWER:  When you leave the grocery store, head straight home and refrigerate or freeze hot dogs immediately.  They may be fully cooked, but they are still perishable.  Warm temperatures combined with the protein content of hot dogs allow disease causing bacteria to grow rapidly.

 

If there is a date on the package, follow those guidelines as you use them.  If there is no date on the package, you can safely store unopened packages of hot dogs for two weeks in the refrigerator.  Once opened, they can be stored for one week.

 

You may choose to freeze hot dogs.  For the best quality, time in the freezer should be limited to one to two months.

 

JERKY - If homemade jerky is one of your specialties, here are some handling tips:

  • For easier cutting, partially freeze the meat then use a sharp knife or electric meat slicer.

  • Remove all fat and always cut across the grain.

  • Use lean meat.  The leaner the meat, the better the finished product.

  • With beef, good cuts are flank, round, sirloin, or rump cuts.

 

B. Susie  Craig

Area Faculty

WSU Cooperative Extension Thurston County

 

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WSU Extension programs and employment are available to all without discrimination.  Evidence of noncompliance may be reported through your local Extension Office.   Cooperating agencies: Washington State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the county of Thurston.

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Last updated January 22, 2001