The Real Reason You Should Steer Clear Of Prepackaged Ground Beef

James Beard Award-winning author and master butcher, Kari Underly, explains, "Because they're processed from all these different sources, there's a higher risk for contamination from E. coli" (via Epicurious).

Before you say goodbye to your Taco Tuesday ritual and your mom's infamous chili con carne recipe, know that there is a safer option. If your supermarket offers store-ground beef, then you're in luck. Not only are you buying a fresher and better-tasting product, but you're decreasing your risk for contacting E.coli or Salmonella. Store-ground beef is beef that's ground on-site at your local grocery store (via Taste of Home). Of course, there is still a risk of buying contaminated meat. But it is much smaller, as stores will normally use the trimmings of one to three cows and not hundreds.

Whether you decide to purchase pre-packaged or store-ground beef, the most important thing you can do for your health is to make sure the meat is fresh. Keep the package cold and avoid beef that has already turned brown or grey on the outside. Store-ground beef has a short shelf life of one to two days, so try and cook it the day you buy it or put it in the freezer (via Epicurious). You can continue to enjoy your favorite meals containing ground beef, just consider choosing the safest option of beef you can for the sake of your health, and everyone that is sitting around the table.