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There’s a lot of rules when it comes to meat storage and preparation. Don’t let it sit out for too long, cook it within the right amount of days, make sure it thaws properly—the list goes on and on. Almost every meat you buy at the grocery store is sold in some form of plastic packaging: Ground turkey, chicken breasts, steak, and salmon being some of the most common examples.
When you grab that ground turkey for the week, you may notice that it's sometimes encased in packaging that looks swollen, while other times it doesn’t. If you’re wondering what that means, you’re not alone. We turned to an expert to find out if it’s actually safe to consume meat in bloated packaging—and it’s a bit more scientific than you’d think.
What Causes Packaging to Bloat?
As it turns out, some manufacturers actually swell the packaging on purpose.
“Some meat manufacturers will package meat along with extra carbon dioxide pumped into the packaging, so that the meat will last longer,” according to food scientist Dr. Bryan Quoc Le.
The USDA names the processes “modified atmosphere packaging” and “controlled atmosphere packaging,” which both aid in preserving foods by replacing oxygen with carbon dioxide or nitrogen.
That means it is usually safe to consume meat in packaging that looks like there’s a little extra air in it. However, notable or excess bloating can cause concern if it’s due to microbial contamination, so make sure to heed these signs of spoilage.
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How Can You Tell If Meat Is Spoiled?
“Meat that has an off-odor, slimy consistency, or has a greenish discoloration has gone bad,” says Dr. Quoc Le. Trust your gut and throw it out if you feel there’s a sour or rancid aroma.
It’s also best to avoid anything with damaged packaging, such as tears or punctures to the vacuum seal (even if it’s just a small slash). For raw beef, the coloring should be a bright red, while fresh ground turkey and chicken should be light pink or beige. If there’s any color resembling green on any portion of the meat, it’s time for it to hit the trash can.
Is It Safe to Eat a Boiled Egg With a Green Ring Around the Yolk?
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