Jimmy Dean is one of the most popular brands when it comes to pre-cooked frozen sausage links, patties, and rolls Their sausage makes for a quick, easy, and tasty breakfast, lunch, dinner or snack. But to enjoy Jimmy Dean sausage at its freshest and safest, it’s important to understand how to read the expiration date printed on the package.
With a few simple tips, you’ll be able to easily decipher the expiration date on Jimmy Dean sausage products. Read on to learn how to decode the date format, recognize signs of spoilage, safely store sausage, and get answers to frequently asked questions about Jimmy Dean sausage expiration dates.
Date Format on Jimmy Dean Sausage Packages
The expiration date on Jimmy Dean sausage packages is printed in the format “MMDDYY.” The first two digits represent the month the next two digits are the day and the last two digits are the year.
For example, if you see the code “032822” on a package of Jimmy Dean sausage, that product will expire on March 28, 2022
Some key points about the date format:
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It’s not a julian date or closed manufacturing code, but a standard monthly calendar date.
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The date indicates the last day the sausage is recommended for consumption.
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Always check date before use; don’t consume if expired.
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Date is often stamped on the side or end of the package.
Signs Jimmy Dean Sausage Has Spoiled
While the expiration date is the best guide, it’s also helpful to rely on your senses to determine if Jimmy Dean sausage has gone bad:
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Unusual odor – Smell sausage before cooking. Rancid or sour smells mean spoilage.
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Color changes – Gray, green or blue discoloration indicates mold or bacteria.
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Slimy texture – Bad sausage often feels sticky or mushy. Good sausage firms up when cooked.
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Don’t rely on taste alone – Cooking can mask unpleasant flavors from spoilage. When in doubt, throw it out.
Proper Storage of Jimmy Dean Sausage
To get the most shelf life out of Jimmy Dean sausage after opening:
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Refrigerate unused cooked sausage within 2 hours of cooking.
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Use cooked sausage within 4-5 days, raw patties within 1-2 days.
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Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or airtight containers.
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Freeze extra packages. Thaw in fridge before use.
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Don’t store sausage in door shelves which lack temperature control.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I eat sausage after the printed date?
It’s not recommended to eat Jimmy Dean sausage past the printed expiration date on the package. While not a safety indicator, the date does indicate peak freshness and flavor.
How long does unopened Jimmy Dean sausage last in the fridge?
Unopened Jimmy Dean raw sausage can be kept refrigerated 2 weeks beyond the printed date. Sealed cooked sausage lasts up to 1 week past date.
Is the date a sell-by or use-by date?
The date indicates the last recommended day to use or freeze the Jimmy Dean sausage. It’s not a sell-by date for stores.
Can I freeze Jimmy Dean sausage before the date?
Yes, freezing unopened Jimmy Dean sausage is fine even if the date hasn’t passed yet. Frozen, the sausage lasts 2-3 months.
What if sausage looks or smells bad before the date?
Always rely on your senses as well as the date. If Jimmy Dean sausage seems spoiled before the date, err on the side of caution and throw it away.
Why can’t I find the date on some packages?
On some varieties, Jimmy Dean prints the date on the crimped end of the package rather than the front or back. Check all sides.
By understanding Jimmy Dean’s date-labeling format and signs of spoilage, you can keep your sausage fresh and minimize food waste. Follow safe storage times, check dates before use, and your Jimmy Dean sausage will be ready when you are!