Frantically Fretting over Fetid Foie Gras from France...
Apr 2nd, 2004, 08:37 AM
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Frantically Fretting over Fetid Foie Gras from France...
Let me begin by saying I screwed up.
About three years ago we brought home several cans and jars of foie gras both to give as gifts and save for special occasions. Because many of the people to whom we gave the foie gras waited to open theirs until we were available to enjoy it with them (it wasn't our idea, honest!) we have never dipped into our own "stash" until the other night. Now comes the hard part.
Since there are just two of us we had saved only two containers for ourselves. When I pulled the best of the two out the other night (goose foie gras with truffles)to enjoy on my sig others birthday I noticed the expiration date was 9/03. I wept.
My question is this: How accurate are the French when applying these expiration dates? I realize it is now six months past, however, is it possible the foie gras is still good? Telling me I may get sick--or even die--if I eat it may or may not deter me; I would just like to decide whether to "enter that breach" with full knowledge of the potential consequences.
Can you help me?
Striv(ing not to be too sad).
About three years ago we brought home several cans and jars of foie gras both to give as gifts and save for special occasions. Because many of the people to whom we gave the foie gras waited to open theirs until we were available to enjoy it with them (it wasn't our idea, honest!) we have never dipped into our own "stash" until the other night. Now comes the hard part.
Since there are just two of us we had saved only two containers for ourselves. When I pulled the best of the two out the other night (goose foie gras with truffles)to enjoy on my sig others birthday I noticed the expiration date was 9/03. I wept.
My question is this: How accurate are the French when applying these expiration dates? I realize it is now six months past, however, is it possible the foie gras is still good? Telling me I may get sick--or even die--if I eat it may or may not deter me; I would just like to decide whether to "enter that breach" with full knowledge of the potential consequences.
Can you help me?
Striv(ing not to be too sad).
Apr 2nd, 2004, 08:48 AM
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I don't want to be responsible for causing someone's illness, but just this past summer, I had some foie gras which I really enjoyed at a friend's. Then I took a look at the date and I remembered that it was quite old -- I can't remember if there was an expiration date on the jar or not, but I do remember being a bit shocked.
Could you start with a little to see if it's still ok? Presumably if it had gone bad it would taste terrible.
Could you start with a little to see if it's still ok? Presumably if it had gone bad it would taste terrible.
Apr 2nd, 2004, 09:09 AM
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In the US, at least, those dates are SELL BY dates, or "best used by," they aren't actual drop-dead literal expiration dates. If the can has been stored in a cool place and shows no signs of bulging or leaking, it's *probably* OK. Perhaps there's some way to do online research on French product dating.
Apr 2nd, 2004, 09:17 AM
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..Author: StCirq
Date: 04/02/2004, 12:50 pm
Message: Let's hope it's OK, because you can't bring tinned meat products back any longer..
WHAT??? I was in France in Oct and brought back tins (didn't tell anyone though) and was planning to do the same in 2 weeks when I head over again. Has the law changed? I really can't bring back yummy pates??? Please say it's not so
Date: 04/02/2004, 12:50 pm
Message: Let's hope it's OK, because you can't bring tinned meat products back any longer..
WHAT??? I was in France in Oct and brought back tins (didn't tell anyone though) and was planning to do the same in 2 weeks when I head over again. Has the law changed? I really can't bring back yummy pates??? Please say it's not so
Apr 2nd, 2004, 09:19 AM
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Isn't there a question on customs declaration that asks if you're bring food or animal products or plants or ... into the US? If you check "Yes," then might you be inspected?
I've always thought if they can seize my chocolates.
I've always thought if they can seize my chocolates.
Apr 2nd, 2004, 09:20 AM
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Yes, according to USDA's website, you cannot bring back meat products, even if they are canned. So, foie gras should not be allowed technically.
We did bring a can back 3 weeks ago, before knowing the rules change, and we even declared it on the customs form. Nobody says anything, and we ate it within 2 weeks.
We did bring a can back 3 weeks ago, before knowing the rules change, and we even declared it on the customs form. Nobody says anything, and we ate it within 2 weeks.
Apr 2nd, 2004, 09:23 AM
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stormygirl-
Read this thread: "food items taken out of France" and this:
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/travel/usdatips.html
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34483426
Read this thread: "food items taken out of France" and this:
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/travel/usdatips.html
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34483426
Apr 2nd, 2004, 09:28 AM
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European food labelling rules don't have a concept of "expiration".
The concept is "best before". After which the stuff might not be as good. And you'll struggle harder to sue them if it's off.
Depending on the food's acidity and the can lining, tinned food can be edible for decades.
If it was a tin of tomato soup, most sensible people would chuck it. Sensible people open, smell, then almost always eat, a slightly elderly tin of foie gras.
If you can't tell 'off' food from the smell, seek immediate olfactory couselling.
The concept is "best before". After which the stuff might not be as good. And you'll struggle harder to sue them if it's off.
Depending on the food's acidity and the can lining, tinned food can be edible for decades.
If it was a tin of tomato soup, most sensible people would chuck it. Sensible people open, smell, then almost always eat, a slightly elderly tin of foie gras.
If you can't tell 'off' food from the smell, seek immediate olfactory couselling.
Apr 2nd, 2004, 09:45 AM
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Like rkkwaw, we too brought back several tinned cans of foie gras, just last week in fact. The customs agents had no idea what foie gras was. When we explained it was duck liver, they examined the cans, and then let us through, foie gras in tow. So if in fact the laws have changed, apparently some customs agents aren't getting the word.
Apr 2nd, 2004, 11:47 AM
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It's a new law. I got this from the owner of the Joie de Vivre catalogue, an importer of French foods and other items and a native of the Quercy, so I think it's accurate. You may no longer bring tinned meats from France back into the USA. As of about 2 months ago. If an Immgration or AG person doesn't know the new rules, maybe you'll get lucky.
