Pork tenderloin is a lean, tender cut of meat that can be a delicious and healthy option for dinner. When purchased pre-packaged from the grocery store, pork tenderloin will have a use by date printed on the packaging. However, if stored properly, pre-packaged pork tenderloin will usually last 3-5 days beyond this printed date. Here is a comprehensive look at just how long pre-packaged pork tenderloin will last in the fridge.
Quick Answer
Pre-packaged pork tenderloin that has been continuously refrigerated will usually stay fresh for 3 to 5 days after the sell by date printed on the package. To maximize freshness and quality, use the pork within 2 days of the sell by date. After 5 days, pork tenderloin may develop an off odor, color or slimy texture indicating spoilage.
How is Pork Tenderloin Packaged?
Pork tenderloin sold at the grocery store is vacuum sealed in plastic packaging. This packaging protects the meat from exposure to air and bacteria, allowing it to stay fresh longer. The packaging also contains absorbent pads that soak up excess moisture and blood from the meat to prevent spoilage. The packing date, sell by date, and safe handling instructions are printed on the label.
Vacuum Sealing
Vacuum sealing removes oxygen from inside the package before it is sealed. This lack of oxygen inhibits the growth of bacteria that require oxygen to multiply. It also prevents oxidation that leads to color and flavor changes.
Absorbent Pads
Absorbent pads made of material like cellulose or clay are placed inside the packaging to absorb fluids like blood and meat juices. This prevents excess moisture from sitting in the package and promotes longer shelf life.
Printed Sell By Date
The sell by date is printed on the label and indicates the last date the retailer can sell the product. This date allows for the estimated time it will take the consumer to use the product at home while still at peak quality.
Factors that Shorten Shelf Life
While pre-packaged pork tenderloin lasts 3-5 days past its sell by date when properly handled, there are some factors that can shorten its shelf life.
Temperature Fluctuations
Cold temperatures slow the growth of bacteria, while warmer temperatures accelerate it. Frequent temperature changes due to opening the refrigerator door or power outages shorten the shelf life.
Broken Packaging
If the vacuum sealing is compromised by tears or punctures, air and bacteria can enter and begin to spoil the meat faster.
Cross Contamination
Contact with bacteria from other foods like raw meat juices or contaminated surfaces can introduce bacteria and shorten shelf life.
How to Tell If Pre Packaged Pork Tenderloin Has Gone Bad
Although the sell by date is a helpful guide, the best way to determine if pre packaged pork tenderloin is still fresh is to examine it before use. Here are some signs that pork has spoiled and should be discarded:
Slimy Texture
Fresh pork has a firm, dry surface. Sliminess indicates spoilage bacteria are present.
Discoloration
Pork starts out looking pink or light red when fresh. As it spoils, it turns brown or gray.
Off Odor
Rancid or sour smells indicate spoilage bacteria are actively growing and producing waste products.
| Fresh Pork Signs | Spoiled Pork Signs |
|---|---|
| Firm, dry texture | Slimy texture |
| Pink or light red color | Gray or brown color |
| Neutral fresh meat smell | Rancid or sour odor |
Maximizing Freshness of Pre Packaged Pork
To get the most days of use from your pre packaged pork tenderloin, be sure to handle it properly:
Purchase Cold Pork
Select packages that are well chilled in the meat case. Warm temperature lets bacteria multiply faster.
Check Sell By Date
Choose packages with the furthest out sell by date to allow for more days of storage at home.
Use Within 2 Days of Sell By
For best quality, use refrigerated pork within 2 days of the sell by date printed on the package.
Refrigerate Promptly
Refrigerate pork immediately upon returning home from the grocery store. Don’t leave sitting out.
Use Clean Tools and Surfaces
Unpack pork with clean utensils and preparation surfaces to prevent cross contamination.
Seal Tightly
After opening, rewrap pork tightly in plastic wrap or foil to prevent air exposure and freezer burn.
How Long Does Thawed Pre Packaged Pork Last in the Fridge?
Properly thawed pre packaged pork tenderloin that has been continuously refrigerated will keep for:
- 3-5 days past the sell by date
- 3-5 days after the thaw date
For maximum freshness, cook thawed pork within 2 days. Use your nose and eyes to determine if thawed pork has gone bad.
Can You Refreeze Thawed Pre Packaged Pork Tenderloin?
Previously frozen pork that has been defrosted in the refrigerator can be safely refrozen within 3-5 days before the quality starts to decline. To refreeze, rewrap tightly and return to 0°F or below. Try to use refrozen pork as soon as possible for best texture and flavor.
How Long Does Pre Packaged Pork Tenderloin Last in the Freezer?
Pre packaged pork tenderloin that is consistently frozen at 0°F or below will last much longer than refrigerated pork. For best quality, use frozen pork within these time frames:
- Fresh pork: 9-12 months
- Thawed and refrozen pork: 3-6 months
Properly frozen pork remains safe indefinitely, but the texture and flavor will deteriorate over time. Wrap frozen pork packages tightly in another layer of plastic or foil to prevent freezer burn.
Should You Rinse Pre Packaged Pork Before Using?
Rinsing raw pork before using it is not recommended. Any bacteria present can splash onto surfaces or utensils. Cooking to a safe internal temperature is the best way to kill bacteria. Pat pork dry with paper towels before cooking if excess moisture is present.
How to Cook Refrigerated Pre Packaged Pork Tenderloin
Refrigerated pork tenderloin that has been handled properly can be cooked and consumed within 3-5 days past its sell by date. Follow these tips for safely cooking pork stored in the fridge:
- Defrost frozen pork in the refrigerator before cooking.
- Marinate pork in the refrigerator up to 2 days for added flavor.
- Use a food thermometer to cook pork to an internal temperature of 145°F.
- Allow pork to rest for 3 minutes before slicing into it.
- Consume cooked pork within 3-5 days.
- Can be reheated to 165°F.
Safe Internal Pork Temperatures
| Minimum safe internal temperature | Appearance when cooked |
|---|---|
| 145°F with 3 minute rest time | Pink tint |
| 160°F | Barely pink in center |
| 165°F | No pink |
Conclusion
Pre-packaged pork tenderloin that has been continuously refrigerated can safely be used for 3-5 days past the printed sell by date. Follow the handle with care labeling on pork packaging and inspect meat before cooking. Use your eyes and nose to look for signs of spoilage like slime, off odors and color changes. With proper storage and handling, pre-packaged pork tenderloin brings healthy, delicious and budget-friendly meals to the dinner table with minimal risk of foodborne illness.