# How long can I let raw beef go in a refridgerator? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [December 28, 2003, 4:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-can-i-let-raw-beef-go-in-a-refridgerator/221376 "2003-12-28T04:14:30Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 4\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![mangeorge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/d78d45/32.png) [@mangeorge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mangeorge)\ **Post date:** [December 28, 2003, 9:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-can-i-let-raw-beef-go-in-a-refridgerator/221376/21 "2003-12-28T21:37:26Z")
I saw a bit on tv about “drop” or “dropper” cattle. I was amazed at what the industry is allowed to sell as food for human consumption. And what they are allowed to feed to cattle. I like to think of cattle as out in the pasture, munching clover, all healthy and happy like the cows in those dairy commercials. I grew up around cattle, so don’t jump to any conclusions. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![mangeorge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/d78d45/32.png) [@mangeorge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mangeorge)\ **Post date:** [December 29, 2003, 12:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-can-i-let-raw-beef-go-in-a-refridgerator/221376/22 "2003-12-29T00:27:34Z")
A quick search turned up my stomach, I mean, [this story](http://www.kirotv.com/investigations/1868748/detail.html) that sounds similar to the one I mention above about “downer” beef. So if I were the OP, I’d probably cook that beef real well. ---
**Author:** ![mangeorge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/d78d45/32.png) [@mangeorge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mangeorge)\ **Post date:** [December 29, 2003, 12:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-can-i-let-raw-beef-go-in-a-refridgerator/221376/23 "2003-12-29T00:36:50Z")
Above I said “drop” beef when I should have said “downer”. A drop calf is, IIRC, a calf born of a dairy cow bred soley to enhance her milk production. These calves used to be a cheap source for individuals who wanted to raise their own beef. I think they now do it with drugs. Enhance milk production, that is. ---
**Author:** ![GorillaMan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/50afbb/32.png) [@GorillaMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GorillaMan)\ **Post date:** [December 29, 2003, 12:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-can-i-let-raw-beef-go-in-a-refridgerator/221376/24 "2003-12-29T00:40:20Z")
Worcestershire sauce is about 1/4 vinegar. It’ll preserve just about anything 😉 [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-can-i-let-raw-beef-go-in-a-refridgerator/221376.md?page=1)