Where to Find the Expiration Date on Bob Evans Sausage

As a long-time fan of Bob Evans sausage, I used to frequently wonder where to locate the expiration date on their sausage packages Like many people, I find expiration dates on food products confusing with the various terms like “use by”, “sell by” and “best by”. Interpreting these dates properly is important for food safety

Locating the Expiration Date on Bob Evans Sausage Packages

The expiration date on Bob Evans sausage is printed on the package. Typically, it can be found on the back or side of the packaging. The date is usually preceded by terms like:

• “Use By”
• “Best By”
• “Sell By”

So when looking at a pack of Bob Evans sausage be sure to turn it around and read the fine print to locate the expiry date.

If you’re having trouble finding it, try looking on the crimped edges or seams of the package too Manufacturers often tuck expiration information in these areas

Common Confusion Around Food Expiration Dates

I used to get so confused seeing the various expiration labels on sausage packs like “Best Before” and “Sell By”. It wasn’t clear to me if these dates meant the sausage would be bad after that day or if it was still safe to eat.

To help others avoid this confusion, here’s a quick guide to what each date term means:

• Use By – Last date recommended for use at peak quality and safety.
• Best By – Last date to enjoy best flavor/quality. Not a safety date.
• Sell By – Tells retailers when to pull products from shelves. Not a safety indicator.

The “Use By” date is the most important one for safety. Consuming foods after this date increases spoilage risk.

“Best By” and “Sell By” dates are more about quality than safety. Sausage past these dates may still be fine to eat, but flavor and texture decline over time.

How Long Bob Evans Sausage Lasts When Unopened vs Opened

Another common question is how long Bob Evans sausage lasts after purchase. This depends on whether it’s never been opened versus already opened.

Here are some general guidelines on sausage shelf life:

• Unopened – 2 to 3 months in the refrigerator. 6 months in the freezer.
• Opened – 1 to 2 weeks in the refrigerator. 1 to 2 months in the freezer.

Of course, always rely on the expiration date over these estimates. I share them to set expectations, but your mileage may vary.

Pro tip: Write the date you opened the sausage on the package with a marker. This makes it easier to track shelf life.

Tips for Safely Storing Bob Evans Sausage

To get the most life out of your Bob Evans sausage, proper storage is key. Here are my tips for keeping sausage fresh and safe:

• Refrigerate unopened sausage promptly after purchase. Keep cold at 40°F or below.

• Freeze unopened packages if not using within 1-2 weeks. Thaw in the refrigerator before use.

• Once opened, rewrap sausage tightly in original packaging or airtight plastic wrap. Limit air exposure.

• Cook Bob Evans sausage fully to an internal temperature of 160°F before eating. Use a food thermometer to verify doneness.

• Do not refreeze sausage after thawing or cooking. This increases safety risks.

• Observe the expiration date and discard sausage if it has spoiled. Look for off smells, colors, or slimy texture.

How to Tell if Bob Evans Sausage Has Gone Bad

Sausage past its prime may grow harmful bacteria that can cause foodborne illness. That’s why it’s crucial to know when Bob Evans sausage has gone bad. Here are some signs to watch out for:

• Slimy texture – Good sausage should be firm and dry. Discard if it feels slippery or mushy.

• Grey color – Fresh sausage is pink or brown. Grey spots or discoloration indicate spoilage.

• Off odors – Sausage past its prime gives off rancid, sour or ammonia-like smells.

• Mold growth – Tiny fuzzy spots of black, green or white mold signal sausage is inedible.

• Weird flavors – Spices in sausage can mask subtle spoilage. So if the flavor seems “off”, don’t risk eating it.

When inspecting the sausage, trust your senses. If anything seems amiss, play it safe and throw it out. Safety first!

What to Do If You Can’t Find the Expiration Date

Sometimes packaging gets smudged or the expiration date is missing. When this happens, here are some tips:

• Check purchase records or receipts to estimate the age of the sausage.

• Inspect the sausage closely using your eyes, nose and fingers. Look for any signs of spoilage.

• If there are no obvious red flags, consume unopened sausage within 1 week just to be safe.

• For opened packages with no date, use within 2-3 days max.

• When in doubt, remember this motto: “When in doubt, throw it out!”

Ready to Enjoy Bob Evans Sausage Safely

Remember to refrigerate promptly after purchase, check dates before cooking, and discard any sausage that smells, looks or feels “off”. Using these tips, you can get the most flavor and usage out of your Bob Evans sausage safely.