Whether you’re a bacon lover or just not, you may be asking yourself how do you know if bacon is bad? While it’s impossible to tell if something is good or bad, there are ways to know if it’s been expired or spoiled. Here are some of the signs you can look for.
Expired bacon smells sour
Expired bacon is a bit different than other meats. It has lost its signature red hue, and has become slightly slimy. It also has an odor that is not only foul, but can also be harmful. This rotting odor is related to bacterial growth. Luckily, you can still eat spoiled bacon, but it is best to be aware of this occurrence so you can avoid it.
If you think your bacon has gotten a bad taste, it is important to dispose of it. This is because it could contain bacteria that can lead to food poisoning. The most common symptoms of spoiled bacon are discoloration, a sour odor, and a sticky shine. Leaving your bacon at room temperature for too long can also result in food poisoning.
If you’re unsure if your bacon is good, the easiest way to check it is by sniffing it. This will provide an instant tip-off. You can also use your fingers to test the texture. If the texture is smooth and moist, it should be safe to eat. However, if the texture is rough, the bacon is probably not fresh.
You can also store your bacon in a reusable plastic food bag. This will help to prevent the growth of bacteria and keep it from deteriorating. It is a good idea to seal the bag well to minimize air inside. If you aren’t sure whether your bacon is fresh, you can try cooking it first.
You can also check the color of your bacon. It should be pink, but not blue or green. If the color has changed, it is a sign that the bacon has been exposed to air for too long.
If you have bacon that has been in your fridge for a week, it might be too old. This is because it could have gone wrong before bacteria started developing. Typically, it is only a few days before a meat product becomes spoiled.
You can also check the sell-by date on your bacon. It is usually printed on the front. This is a store guideline. If the date is not printed on the package, you can use a Sharpie to write the date on the outside of the packaging.
Discoloration
Seeing discoloration in bacon is a sure sign that it’s bad. It’s also a good idea to check out your package for an expiration date.
Discoloration in bacon can be caused by bacteria or fungi. These two things can make bacon feel slimy, which isn’t the kind of thing you want to have on your plate.
Bacteria, in particular E. coli, can cause spoiled bacon to smell sour or fishy. They can also turn a piece of bacon gray or green. If you notice that your bacon has a sour or fishy smell, it’s best to throw it out.
If your bacon has turned gray, it’s probably because a lot of bacteria has colonized it. Bacteria can cause a range of symptoms including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps. You may even get a headache, flu-like symptoms, and a stiff neck.
While gray or brown meat isn’t always dangerous, a bad quality product can be very difficult to handle. Mold can grow on the surface of the meat without appearing to grow. A bad quality product can also contain harmful bacteria that can cause illness when eaten raw.
It’s important to look for the nitrites, which are used in bacon to give it its color. The nitrites help kill toxic bacteria. They have been used for centuries to prevent food from spoiling. They also add flavor to the bacon, but they can create cancer-causing chemicals when used improperly.
Bacteria can also cause your bacon to lose its pink color. In addition, the curing process breaks down the pigmentation in pork. That means that raw bacon is closer to raw ribs than it is to cooked bacon.
It’s important to cook your bacon carefully, and keep it in the refrigerator for a few days before serving it. It can stay fresh for up to four months in the freezer, but it’s still important to follow the manufacturer’s directions.
If your bacon is gray, white, or yellow, it’s likely rancid or contaminated. If you don’t know how to tell, a sour or fishy smell is a good indication.
Bacterial growth
Whether you have recently purchased bacon or you are unsure of its freshness, there are a few signs you should look for to determine whether the meat is spoiled. These include changes in texture, color, or smell. The most important thing to remember is that if you do notice any of these changes, you should discard the product immediately.
A fresh piece of bacon should feel moist and soft. It should also not feel slimy. If it does, it is most likely spoiled. It will also have a sour taste due to bacteria.
When you store bacon, make sure you use a container with an air tight seal. This will help maximize the shelf life of the bacon. You can use a plastic food bag or an aluminum foil container. You can minimize the amount of air inside the bag by smoothing it out.
Bacteria are present on all types of meat. Especially raw meat. It is important to know whether the meat is spoiled so you can avoid suffering from foodborne illness. There are also many signs you should look for to ensure you are purchasing and eating only healthy food.
You may have heard of “nitrate burn” which happens during the curing process. This phenomenon causes a slight green sheen on the bacon. The green color is actually the result of a reaction between nitrate and the protein myoglobin. It’s not a problem, but it is a sign you should be aware of.
You should also be aware of iridescence, which is a rainbow-like sheen that is a common sign of microbial growth. It isn’t necessarily a bad sign, but it isn’t going to improve the taste of the bacon.
Lastly, a free eBook from the National Pork Board explains the many different ways you can tell if the bacon you have is spoiled. It includes a list of 21 foods you should look for. The free eBook also outlines the most important food safety tips. Ultimately, you should follow these tips to prevent foodborne illness and improve your health.
It is a good idea to buy bacon that is raised humanely and locally. You can also ensure your bacon is wholesome by reading the label.
Toss it
Luckily, there are a few things that you can do to make sure that your bacon is fresh. Bad or spoiled bacon can have a strong odor, which will make you sick. You should also check the texture of the meat and the color.
To check the color of bacon, look at the uncooked product under good lighting. You should see white streaks of fat and bright pink or red meat. Then, examine the bacon with your finger. If the bacon feels sticky or slimy, it is likely spoiled. The slimy meat will also have a fishy odor.
Bacon is often packaged with a sell-by date. If the bacon has gone bad, it should be thrown out immediately. A rotting odor can also indicate that the bacon is spoiled. The odor is often associated with bacterial growth, which makes the meat foul. You should avoid eating spoiled bacon, as the bacteria can cause serious health risks.
If the bacon is green or yellow, it is most likely spoiled. Bacteria can also cause slimy meat. The lactic acid bacteria is one of the most common causes of slimy meat.
If the bacon is pink or red, it is most likely fresh. The white fat should be bright or pinkish, and the meat should feel soft. You should also smell the bacon before cooking. If it has an ammonia or fishy odor, it is spoiled.
If the bacon has a sell-by date, it should be used by that date. You can always check the expiration date of the bacon at the store.
Bacon is safe to eat when stored properly. If it is contaminated with mold or a sour odor, it should be discarded. To dispose of the bacon, bury it in a trash can or outdoor garbage bin. If it is spoiled, you should wrap it in plastic or foil. If the odor of the bacon is foul, squirt it with water to remove any bacteria. You should also thoroughly wash your hands after handling it.
Storing bacon for too long can also spoil it. Bacteria can grow in warm temperatures, so you should store your bacon in the refrigerator at below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.