Producer Question from 2010
Q: Is there a recommended product temperature range for the display of non-frozen, packaged beef? (April 19, 2010)
A: A good recommendation is less than 40° F and greater than 30° F for best shelf life. Most will target a temperature of 37 degrees. The colder the meat case the longer the shelf life of the product. Temperature variation in the meat case needs to be checked as the bottom of the case may be cold and overloading the case may place meat products in warmer temperatures.
Meat will freeze at 27 to 28° F so proper display of fresh meat would depend on temperatures above this level. In addition food pathogens like E. coli O157:H7 will grow at temperatures above 45° F.
Dr. Dennis Burson
Professor
Animal Science
University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Lincoln, NE