Hi ladies

This is probably a silly question and up until being pregnant, has been one I have never bothered asking.

Background: I bought some minced beef this week and its use by date was yesterday. So last night I made a whole stack of spag bol with it and now have it all packed in my fridge as left overs for today (I am aware that leftovers need to be eaten within 12 hours of prep).

My question is: does the use by date mean you need to prepare it before the date specified or that you need to have consumed it by the date specified?

I have been doing a family poll (haha) and everyone seems to think that as long as I have cooked it by the use by date (yesterday) it should be fine to have as left-overs today (even although today is one day past the use by date).

You are all so helpful with things like this and I really appreciate being able to ask you silly questions and still know that I will atill get some answers! Thanks

Sam xx