can you eat steak after use by date

It is generally possible to eat steak after the use-by date, but caution is needed. The use-by date is mainly about quality and peak freshness rather than an absolute safety cutoff. Steak may still be safe to consume a few days past that date if it has been properly stored in the refrigerator and shows no signs of spoilage such as bad smell, slimy texture, or discoloration. The USDA recommends raw steak can safely be kept in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days, and cooking or freezing before the use-by date helps maintain safety and quality. Always use the senses (smell, look, feel) to check if the steak has gone bad, as these signs are more reliable than the date alone. If the steak smells off or shows signs of spoilage, it should be discarded regardless of the date. In summary, steak can be eaten shortly after the use-by date if it appears fresh and has been kept refrigerated, but the risk increases with time and improper storage, so careful inspection and caution are essential.