How to Tell if Bacon is Bad (4 Easy Signs)
on Dec 17, 2021
When bacon isn’t stored in proper conditions, or if it’s been stored for too long, it can become spoiled, just like any other meat. Consuming spoiled food is a health risk, so it’s important to learn how to tell if bacon is bad.
Bacon is the delicious and versatile meat that’s good for breakfast lunch and dinner. Whether you’re having bacon and eggs, a BLT or a Cobb salad, these streaky strips are sure to add irresistibly meaty flavor.
How to Tell if Bacon is Bad
1. Check the Expiry Date
The expiry date is one of the easiest ways to tell if food has gone bad. If this date has passed, you should definitely discard the bacon. Be sure you aren’t looking at a “sell by” date, which is the last safe day to purchase it from the store.
2. Look at the Bacon
The expiry date may no longer be visible, or you may have stored your bacon in new packaging without making a note of the date. In this case, examine the appearance of the bacon for possible signs of spoilage. Good bacon has a natural pink color with fatty streaks of white or pale yellow. If your bacon appears green, brown or even blue, toss it immediately.
3. Smell the Bacon
Give the bacon a sniff. Fresh bacon has a pleasant, meaty smell. Bad bacon will have a foul, sour or unpleasant odor.
4. Feel the Bacon
Fresh bacon feels soft and slightly moist. When the bacon has gone bad, it may feel slimy to the touch, due to the presence of lactic acid reacting with the meat.
How Long is Bacon Good After Opening?
This depends on how the bacon is stored. In the fridge, bacon stays good for up to 2 weeks. However, when stored in the freezer, bacon lasts several months. If you buy bacon in bulk, it’s a good idea to apportion and store what you need for each week in the fridge and keep the rest in the freezer for longer-term storage.
How Long Does Bacon Last in the Fridge?
Bacon will stay fresh for one to two weeks in the fridge. As you get closer to the two-week mark, be sure to observe the bacon for any possible signs of spoilage.
Can You Freeze Bacon?
Absolutely! Freezing bacon is a good way to extend its shelf life. When stored in an airtight container, bacon lasts up to 8 months in the freezer.
How Bad is it to Eat Expired Bacon?
Eating expired meat of any kind is always a health risk. Expired bacon may contain bacteria such as salmonella, E. Coli and Staph. Not only will it taste awful, but it can also make you very sick. Food poisoning is a common reaction to consuming expired meat. Symptoms of food poisoning include nausea, vomiting, fever, abdominal pain and body aches.
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