Purchase the product before the "sell-by" or expiration dates.
Follow handling recommendations on product.
Corned beef is a brine-cured beef. The term "corn" in corned beef refers to the "corns" or grains of coarse salts used to cure it. The Oxford English Dictionary defines corn to mean "a small hard particle, a grain, as of sand or salt." Potassium nitrate (saltpeter) is often added to the brine to preserve the beef's pink color. Originating in Ireland, references to Corned Beef can be found in writings dating back to the 12th century.
In the United States and Canada, corned beef typically comes in two forms, a cut of beef (usually brisket, but sometimes round or silverside) cured or pickled in a seasoned brine, and canned (pre-cooked).
(Source: wikipedia.org)
Contacted specialists in the Quality Assurance Department and Consumer Response Department at the following companies:
Colorado Premium
Fresh Mark, Inc.
Harris Ranch Beef Co.
Tyson Foods, Inc.
Other Sources:
U.S. Department of Agriculture
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
*This is only a partial list of our sources as we have used multiple other resources.