ProudGrandma Posted March 20, 2012 Share Posted March 20, 2012 Opened a box of all natural chicken broth about 9 days ago and forgot about it. Can I still use it even though it says use within a week?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KS_ Posted March 20, 2012 Share Posted March 20, 2012 I think so. I've had some in the frig longer than a week and have used it. I'd make sure it looks and smells OK, but 9 days really isn't that much longer than recommended. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lady Marmalade Posted March 20, 2012 Share Posted March 20, 2012 Give it the sniff test, and then dip your finger in and give it a taste if it smells okay. The use by dates are a guideline, and I've used store bought stock well past the suggested "use within a week of opening". Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cinder Posted March 20, 2012 Share Posted March 20, 2012 Agree with others--give it a whiff. It will smell "off" if it's gone bad. I have used opened boxes of chicken broth beyond a week. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bassoonaroo Posted March 20, 2012 Share Posted March 20, 2012 My vote is no. The stuff is old (it IS a meat product -- and when your kids do science at home and grow microbes what do they grow it on? chicken broth of course!) and it's cheap to replace. Then again, I'm the germophobe who probably wouldn't want to use it 7 days post-opening. What bugs me: 1) Chicken broth is an excellent medium for bacterial growth. 2) The frig slows down but doesn't stop bacterial growth (that requires a freezer) 3) Boiling the broth would kill any bacteria but will not destroy disease-causing toxins (and that's the problem). Remember that bacteria can multiply in 20 minutes, as long as there is food for them -- and broth has plenty. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ProudGrandma Posted March 20, 2012 Author Share Posted March 20, 2012 My vote is no. The stuff is old (it IS a meat product -- and when your kids do science at home and grow microbes what do they grow it on? chicken broth of course!) and it's cheap to replace. Then again, I'm the germophobe who probably wouldn't want to use it 7 days post-opening. What bugs me: 1) Chicken broth is an excellent medium for bacterial growth. 2) The frig slows down but doesn't stop bacterial growth (that requires a freezer) 3) Boiling the broth would kill any bacteria but will not destroy disease-causing toxins (and that's the problem). Remember that bacteria can multiply in 20 minutes, as long as there is food for them -- and broth has plenty. UGH....I put it in with the water to boil my chicken carcuses in...it has been in the oven for over 4 hours at 300....what do you all think??? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bassoonaroo Posted March 20, 2012 Share Posted March 20, 2012 I can't make that call for you. I wouldn't have used it but there are others on the board that have safely used older broth. I know what I would do but I am admittedly too cautious. No lectures -- just stating what I am comfortable or not comfortable with. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ProudGrandma Posted March 20, 2012 Author Share Posted March 20, 2012 any other opinions??? Trying to decide what to do. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catwoman Posted March 20, 2012 Share Posted March 20, 2012 I think 9 days is too long, but can you call the number on the container and ask the company if it's still safe? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Girls' Mom Posted March 20, 2012 Share Posted March 20, 2012 Well, I just used a 10 day opened carton in our roast. I'll let you know later. :tongue_smilie: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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