Bacon: Is your bacon fresh or foul? Here’s how to tell |
Are you having bacon for breakfast? But is it fresh? Bacon is a beloved breakfast staple and is best enjoyed when it’s fresh. Improper storage can lead to spoilage and serious foodborne illness. So how do you know if the bacon you have in your pantry is safe to eat or not? Here’s how to keep your bacon fresh and safe, along with some warning signs which suggest it’s time to toss it.
How long does bacon last in the fridge?
So while you are in the grocery store, make sure to select the raw bacon just before checking out at the supermarket register. According to the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture), it is important to take the bacon home immediately and refrigerate it at 40 °F or below. You can use the bacon within 7 days or freeze at 0°F.
If you are buying cooked bacon, read the product label for handling instructions. The refrigerated cooked bacon should be picked just before checking out. You can refrigerate it at 40°F or below. For shelf-stable, cooked bacon, store the product at 85°F or below. Refrigerate after opening. It is crucial to look at the manufacturer’s recommended “use-by” date.
How to decide if it’s time to toss it?
Here are some indications that will help you.
- Check the smell: If your bacon smells sour, rancid, or has an off-putting odour, it’s a strong indicator that it has spoiled. Remember fresh bacon smells savory and smoky. The foul or putrid smell is an indication that the fat has begun to break down and it’s no longer safe to eat, according to AllRecipes.
- Look at the colour: Fresh bacon is pink in colour with white streaks of fat. When the bacon spoils, it starts to change colour. If your bacon is brown, gray, green, or has orange hues, throw it away. It is a sign of bacteria or mold growing on it, according to bacon manufacturer Coleman All Natural Meats.
- Texture matters: If your bacon is firm, and a little bit greasy, it means its fresh. The bacon turns slimy or sticky to the touch, when it goes bad, throw it away. A slimy coating is a sign of bacteria growing and multiplying on it, as per AllRecipes.
- Look for molds: Moldy bacon is a health hazard and can cause serious illnesses. The mold usually appears as fuzzy spots in shades of green, blue, or white.
