4. Food with an “Off” Smell, Color, or Texture
Your senses are powerful tools for detecting spoiled food, even if an item is within its expiration date. Improper storage, a power outage, or simple cross-contamination can cause food to go bad prematurely. Trust your instincts. If something seems off, it probably is.
Here are some specific signs to watch for:
Deli Meats: Packaged lunch meats, once opened, should be consumed within three to five days. Signs of spoilage include a slimy texture, a sour or vinegary smell, and a dull or iridescent color. Don’t take chances with old deli meat, as it can be a source of Listeria bacteria.
Milk and Dairy: A sour smell is the most obvious sign that milk has gone bad. It may also appear clumpy or yellowish. For yogurt or sour cream, any liquid separation is usually normal, but if it has a tangy, unpleasant odor or any sign of mold, it’s time to toss it.
Fresh Meat and Poultry: Raw chicken or turkey should have a pinkish hue and very little odor. If it smells foul, feels slimy or sticky, or has a grayish or greenish color, it has spoiled. The same applies to ground meat and other cuts of beef or pork. A strong, unpleasant odor is a clear indicator that it’s no longer safe to eat.
Eggs: While we’ll discuss egg date codes later, you can also check an egg’s freshness with a simple test. Place an egg in a bowl of water. Fresh eggs will sink to the bottom. An older egg will stand on its end or float, as the air cell inside grows larger over time. While a floating egg isn’t necessarily bad, it’s a sign that it’s old and should be cracked open into a separate bowl to check for a bad smell or appearance before use.
Remember that a clean refrigerator is essential for good food safety. Spills from spoiling food can drip onto other items, spreading bacteria. When you discard a spoiled item, take an extra moment to wipe down the shelf or drawer where it was sitting. A quick wipe with warm, soapy water is often all that’s needed for minor spills.
