Decoding Expiration Dates on Hatfield Ham Steak Packaging

Hatfield is one of the most popular brands of fully-cooked, hardwood smoked ham steaks Their boneless ham steaks come pre-sliced and ready to heat and eat With so many varieties to choose from like Original, Honey Cured, and Applewood Smoked, it can get confusing figuring out the expiration date on the package.

In this guide, I’ll explain exactly where to find the best by date and how to decipher the expiration coding used by Hatfield on their vacuum-sealed ham steak products. Follow these simple steps to ensure you purchase the freshest ham steaks with the longest shelf life ahead.

Overview of Hatfield Ham Steak Products

Hatfield offers a wide range of conveniently packaged ham steak options

• Original – Hardwood smoked flavor with no extra seasonings. The classic ham taste.

• Honey Cured – Sweetened with honey for a subtle candied flavor.

• Applewood Smoked – Hickory smoked then finished with applewood for a fruitwood bacon essence.

• Brown Sugar – Cured with brown sugar for a deeper, richer sweetness.

• Pepper Coated – Encrusted with coarse ground black pepper.

• Garlic & Herb – Infused with the savory combo of garlic, rosemary, and thyme.

No matter which variety you choose, Hatfield fully cooks their ham steaks so they just need a quick sear or warming before eating. The boneless slices come individually vacuum sealed for optimum freshness.

Locating the Sell By Date

Hatfield helpfully stamps the sell by date prominently on the front of the ham steak packaging. Look for it in the upper right hand corner of the label.

You’ll see a standard format like:

SELL BY 07 27 22

This clearly tells you the final date the retailer can display the product for sale, which is an expiration date of July 27, 2022 in this example.

Some labels may also include a production date elsewhere, but the most important date for consumers to go by is the SELL BY.

Understanding Hatfield’s Date Coding

In addition to the sell by date, Hatfield uses a product coding system to enable quick identification of production information.

This code is also on the front label, typically located under the nutrition facts or ingredients. It doesn’t actually indicate expiration information.

Here’s how to interpret Hatfield’s product coding:

Examples:

P-7187 TB22155 OR P-7954 TB24173

Code Breakdown:

P – Indicates the specific Hatfield plant

7187 or 7954 – Unique product lot number

TB – Abbreviation for “to be” packed on date

22155 or 24173 – Julian date of production (Year + Day of Year)

So in the examples above, the ham steaks were produced on August 3, 2022 and September 1, 2024.

This plant-specific code assists the company but isn’t overly helpful for consumers trying to gauge freshness and expiration. Just stick to the clearly marked SELL BY date on the label instead.

Hatfield Ham Steak Shelf Life

When properly stored, Hatfield’s fully cooked vacuum-sealed ham steaks have an excellent shelf life.

Unopened Shelf Life:

• Pantry/Cupboard – Up to 6-9 months
• Refrigerator – Up to 9 months
• Freezer – Up to 1 year

After Opening:

• Refrigerator – 10-14 days
• Freeze remainder immediately for up to 1-2 months

The unopened ham steaks can be safely stored at room temperature due to the vacuum sealing and precooking. Refrigeration extends the shelf life even further.

Be sure to carefully reseal and refrigerate any leftovers within 2 hours of opening. Eat within 10-14 days for best quality.

Identifying Spoiled Ham Steaks

Ham steaks that have surpassed their prime may exhibit the following warning signs:

• Slimy or sticky texture
• Grey/green discoloration
• Mold growth
• Off odors – sour, ammonia, sulfurous
• Rancid taste
• Dry, cracked appearance

When in doubt, remember the old adage – “When in doubt, throw it out.” Don’t risk getting sick from eating spoiled meat.

What To Do If Ham Steak Smells Funny But Is Not Expired?

It’s possible a ham steak within the expiration window still goes off due to temperature abuse or damage to the vacuum seal.

Contact Hatfield’s customer service line at 1-800-584-2618 for guidance if this occurs. You may be eligible for a refund or replacement.

Proper Handling for Maximum Freshness

To get the most shelf life out of your Hatfield ham steaks, be sure to:

• Check SELL BY date and purchase the package with the furthest out date.

• Transport ham steaks immediately home after purchase. Don’t leave them sitting in a hot car.

• Refrigerate promptly and keep stored at 40°F or below.

• Reseal opened packages tightly before returning to the refrigerator. Use within 10-14 days.

• Discard any ham steaks with off smells, colors, or textures. Don’t taste test questionable meats.

Following Hatfield’s SELL BY date and practicing proper cold food storage will ensure you safely enjoy their ham steaks at peak freshness and flavor. Just locate the date stamp on the label and use within the recommended timeframe.