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).

It probably is OK, but to be safe, dump it and take another trip to France to renew your stash.

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.

Let's hope it's OK, because you can't bring tinned meat products back any longer. Taste it and see!

usually there is an off smell (if you know what it should taste like.)

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.

..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 :(

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

The USDDA web site explains that the restriction on meats is due to foot-and-mouth disease. Since it's a mammal disease and doesn't affect birds, perhaps poultry products are exempted.

Well it's also nice to see that I can bring home fish! I'm sure everyone on the plane would really appreciate some fish in my backpack! haha!

Eat the stuff and let us know if you live.

And if you don't post, then we'll assume you die eating the foie gras. :D

NYCFS, LOL!

So happy to make you chuckle, Marilyn. Welcome home.

... and how goes it, NYCFS? Life treating you okay? Any recs. for Maui? What about AOL Time Warner, a relative leased a place and moved in yesterday.

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.