No, reheating or cooking spoiled ground beef doesnt make it safe to eat again. . Here are a few safety tips (3, 12, 13): Remember to wash your hands thoroughly after handling ground beef, and dont forget to your clean kitchen counters and utensils. The interior of fresh ground beef however isn't exposed to oxygen, therefore it isn't red, but a greyish brown color. Keep it hot, at 140F (60C) and above, or cool it and store it safely in the refrigerator at a temperature below 40F (4.4C), where it will stay good for 3-4 days. Ground beef may change color due to multiple factors, including temperature, light, microbial growth, and exposure to oxygen (4). If you are making something like meatloaf where you need to mix other ingredients into raw ground beef and then cook it after, you must give your ground beef enough time to thaw safely in the refrigerator. 2.4 Step 4 - Examine the Meat Surface by Touching. That just means that the middle part of the packaged ground beef you bought did not come into contact with oxygen. Refrigerator & freezer storage chart. By the time the spoilage bacteria have made it disgusting, you can no longer rule out the possibility that its not overgrown with disease-causing pathogens, too. Remember to wash your hands with soapy water for at least 20 seconds after touching ground beef, no matter if its spoiled or not. We develop recipes, share cooking tips, and write about cookware and appliances for the everyday cook, with love and care. Another way to tell if ground beef has gone bad is by simply smelling it. If you want to be completely sure your ground beef issafe to eat, check for all 5 of these signs. Youre going to use some other senses, too. The air oxidizes the parts of the meat that lost moisture, turning them white and flavorless. If you brought home a package of ground beef from the store, and you put it in the fridge right away, it should be good for one to two days. Even if the garbage has to sit for a while before the garbage truck arrives to pick it up, itll be okay as it will take a number of hours for the frozen ground beef to thaw. First, you can check the color of the beef. Fresh, raw ground beef should be red due to its levels of oxymyoglobin a pigment formed when a protein called myoglobin reacts with oxygen (3). Put the ground beef in the fridge as soon as you get home, and dont wait too long to use it up. 6 The slime on the surface is caused by the buildup of bacterial cells. Yes, even worse . (2018). There are a few things to look for when making this determination. Like, how could ground beef that has gone bad actually feel different?! 2.2 Step 2 - Examine the Color of the Steak. 1. To store the ground beef for longer times, wrap in heavy duty plastic wrap, aluminum foil, or plastic bags made to freeze food. Well, think slime when youre testing the health of your ground beef. Remember, its not worth it! There is no better way to tell if the ground turkey is bad! 2. I will buy ground beef when its on sale and put it in the freezer where its ready for me to take out and thaw for dinner. Always cook the beef thoroughly to kill bacteria. By checking for changes in the color, smell, and texture of the beef, you should be able todetect its freshness. These clumps indicate that the meat has suffered fromfreezer burn. In ground beef, the signs you'll detect will depend on how badly spoiled it is. You should never thaw ground beef by leaving it on the counter. If its surface has turned thoroughly brown or gray or grown mold, it has gone bad and should be discarded. This means it is likely to go bad faster than other cuts of beef. When you open the package of ground beef, get your nose close to it and sniff. A steak does not go through any sort of grinding process, so it is not subjected to as much oxygen, and means that it can safely sit in your fridge or your freezer for a longer period of time than ground beef. Home Cook World is a participant in the Amazon Associates, Impact.com, and ShareASale affiliate advertising programs. Ground beef can spoil, or go bad, if it is not stored properly. Spoiled, rotten, or old ground beef is going to have a bad smell. How to tell if ground beef is bad. After cooking, dont leave the meat at room temperature for more than 1-2 hours. Whether you're whipping up some tasty nachos or your award-winning chili, ground bee. [U.S. Food and Drug Administration letter to food industry]. 5 Signs That Are Easy To Spot. (2019). It is important for people to be aware of potential signs that may indicate spoilage, such as color, smell, texture, and compromised packaging or storage. The number one rule with food that may be bad is, If in doubt, throw it out. This is very important with ground beef. The beef, while it is being ground, comes into contact with oxygen, and we know from our brief science lesson earlier in the article, that when the pigment, oxymyoglobin, that is contained in ground beef, comes into contact with oxygen, a chemical reaction occurs which creates bacteria. Ground beef should be brilliant red on the exterior and brownish on the interior when it's fresh from the butcher. If you dont notice a funny scent but still see signs of spoilage in color or texture, its still safest to throw it away, as pathogenic bacteria cannot be smelled (6). How To Know If Ground Beef Is Bad. Gray, however, is not always okay. It turns out that theres a smell test for everything. It is safe for people to consume refrigerated ground beef up to 2 days past this date. In the home freezer, meat freezes slowly. There are signs people can be aware of that may warn them that ground beef is now bad. This may cause unpleasant odors or taste. Pasta sauce with ground beef, chili con carne, tacos, meatloaf, and of course, thick, juicy hamburgers. Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly so that you do not spread bacteria and contaminate other surfaces. How can you tell if ground beef is bad? Keep it in a bag on the lowest shelf to prevent its juices from leaking. 1.4 Been in Refrigerator for a Long Time. This will kill any bacteria that is present and make it safe for consumption. If you are greeted with a rancid, sort of tangy scent, put it back in the freezer. Due to this, some people wash meat before preparing it, but this is unsafe. Were your children ever into playing with slime? Symptoms start within 30 minutes to 8 hours after exposure. Your email address will not be published. 2. Waiting until your beef has an unpleasant odor or signs of spoilage to toss beef isn't necessarily the best option. In order to avoid foodborne illnesses, people should follow the four guidelines laid out by the U.S. Department of Agricultures Food Safety and Inspection Service: People should ensure that their refrigerator and freezer are the correct temperature to keep their food safe. However, you must always check that your ground beef isfresh and safe to eatbefore you begin cooking. They may contaminate food and cause a foodborne illness, which can result in food poisoning. How do you know when ground beef goes bad? How to cut food waste and maintain food safety. This means ground beef with a gray interior is safe to eat. You must consider other visual signs as well. Lets break this up now and look at each one by itself. Dont take a chance. How Can You Tell If Cooked Ground Beef Is Bad? Signs of foodborne illness from bad ground beef include . Another way to check your ground beef is by conducting a touch test. Unlike classic beef flank dishes, there is no slicing or marinating required in this recipe. In this instance, you wont need to worry if the central section of this ground beef is gray or brown; its just that this area of the meat hasnt had direct contact with oxygen. It lends itself to numerous dishes that are tasty, and quick to make. Ground beef is rich in protein and has a lot of moisture (according to the USDA, ground beef contains between 55% and 65% water depending on the leanness), which makes it a formidable breeding ground for bacteria. While the inside of the ground beef may look grayish in color and be okay, any discoloration on the outside is bad news. If you have put your package of ground beef in the freezer then you will need to do a little meal planning in order to have the time needed to thaw the ground beef safely. Red meat is a good source of protein and iron, though research has linked it to heart disease, certain cancers, and other health conditions. There are four ways to tell if beef is bad. Youre not having ground beef for dinner tonight. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) do not require there be an expiration date label on any food products except infant formula. A person can store ground beef in the freezer for up to 4 months. How can you tell if ground beef is badif its frozen? Nevertheless, you should throw away ground beef if it has turned either brown or gray on the outside, as this indicates that its beginning to rot. Ground beef should reach an internal temperature of 160 F. Thats when it is done and is safe to eat. "If the meat is sticky or super slimy, throw it away. Now lets get to the meat of the matter. When ground beef has gone bad, it smells putrid, like rotting flesh, and sour, like cheap vinegar. and Pseudomonas spp., which may also affect the flavor (1). The look of the ground turkey. It would be so easy to say, If your ground beef smells weird or looks funny, dont eat it, and move on. You might think that if the ground beef you bought is any color other than red, it isnt good. Ground beef is bad if it looks dull and gray, smells sour and putrid, and has a sticky and slimy consistency. Ground beef's internal temperature should be 160F ( 71C) when cooked with a food thermometer. If youre not going to cook your ground beef within a few days of purchasing it, wrap it properly and put it in the freezer, making sure to mark thedate and type of meaton the packaging for reference later on. If it was fresh looking with a lite pink color when you bought it and now it has a dull color and is not vibrant and is . How Can You Tell If Oatmeal Has Gone Bad Using A Surefire Method? Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Persistent pinkness can be caused by reducing agents, pH, nitrite contamination, and/or carbon monoxide from gas ovens. 2.1 Step 1 - Examine the Expiration Date. By consuming potentially spoiled meat, people run the risk of developing food poisoning. By having a good look on its color and smell you can determine that. You are not cooking anything with that ground beef. "If you leave ground beef in the refrigerator, eventually it will start to spoil after so many days," Magoulas said. Fresh ground beef feels firm. Beef fat solidifies at lower temperatures, so if you notice that your ground beef has these spots, it may not necessarily mean that it has gone bad, but proceed with caution and check for other signs of spoilage. Research estimates that around 62% of all beef sold in the U.S. is ground. Ground beef that has gone bad should be put in a plastic bag and thrown into the garbage. These 9 high-risk foods are the most likely to cause food poisoning. If you have kept ground beef longer than the safe storage periods described in this article, or for one reason or another you suspect that it has spoiled, you should err on the side of caution and throw it away. If you reach for the ground beef you purchased 5 or 6 days ago and set in your fridge, you might see a lot of gray. 2005-2022 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. When in doubt, apply the three checks below. 7 If it has a nasty or off scent, it has been spoilt. Spoilage bacteria alter the smell, taste, and mouthfeel of the meat in a way that makes it disgusting, but theyre generally harmless. No wonder so much is purchased every year! Ground beef is a popular food in the United States. It should also be odor and sticky, and the odor indicates that the meat contains spoilage bacteria. *Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc., or its affiliates. How can you tell if raw ground beef is bad? Required fields are marked *. If you're unsure whether your frozen ground beef is still good, there are a few things you can do to check. The most commonly found harmful bacteria in ground beef are Salmonella and Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC). How to Know if Ground Beef Is Spoiled If raw ground beef has a gray or brown tint, or if cooked ground beef is pungent or smells sour, it has likely spoiled and should be thrown out. I like to fry the ground beef first, remove it from the skillet, and then fry the onions separately. Inspect its color Schweihofer, J. Here are 23 healthy foods that dont need to be refrigerated. In case you took steak and turned it into ground beef, don't panic. The good thing is, that you can still save everyones stomach by noticing the scent that comes wafting up from that ground beef cooking in the skillet. If it has a slimy feel to it, it is beginning to go bad. Because ground beef has a short shelf life, it is best to have a plan in place. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Ground beef can be refrigerated and safely eaten up to 2 days past this date (3, 6). If it's slimy or sticky, it's not safe to eat. Luckily, there are somesimple signsto look out for when determining whetheryour ground meatis bad. This way, youll know how long meats been frozen when you take it out to defrost. Meat that smells good doesnt have a very strong scent and it isnt unpleasant to the nose. If youre opting for weight loss, you might want to choose leaner meats . These Are the Healthiest Cuts to Choose. Ground beef is at its best the moment you take it out of the grocery bag or the paper the butcher wrapped it in. A faintly reddish or metallic odor might be detected on freshly cut red meat.To get a good whiff of this aroma, you will often need to position your nose somewhat near to the source in order to do so.On the other hand, if your steak has gone bad, it will have a distinct odor that smells sour, or perhaps a little bit like eggs or ammonia.This . Traits of spoiled ground beef: It will turn from its original red or brown color to . These some simple and quick tests you can proceed with either cooking up your ground beef, or not. Spoiled ground beef can reveal itself via strange smells and colors. It is important that a person never leaves ground beef out at room temperature for more than 2 hours, as this can cause harmful bacteria to grow. Smell your ground beef Fresh ground beef smells fleshy and new, while rotten ground beef smells foul and off-putting. An example of this would be cooking the beef to add to tomato sauce to serve with pasta. Here are 4 ways to tell whether your ground beef has gone bad. Those other senses are smell, touch, and sight. Keep raw meat separately in your cart to avoid cross-contamination, or the spread of bacteria to other food items. If only the interior is gray, you can bet that oxygen hasn't touched it to turn it red. It is best to consume ground beef within 4 months. In contrast, cuts of beef should be cooked within 3-5 days. Leaner meats have a tender texture, almost like the inside of your palm. How To Melt Cheddar Cheese In The Microwave 2 Simple And Effective Ways, 15 Awesome Paleo Instant Pot Beef Soup Recipes. READ ALSO:Grass Fed Versus Grain Fed Beef. Ground beef can be refrigerated and safely eaten up to 2 days past this date (3, 6). Check the Color. It may take several days for symptoms to appear. Fresh meat should break apart in your hands easily and separate into chunks. Another way to check the freshness of your ground beef is totouch it. Whenever you put ground beef in the freezer, mark thecurrent dayon the package. The beef should be stored at or below 33F. If that water is a cloudy off-white color, it's likely spoiled. Try not to eat ground beef thats been in the freezer forlonger than 4 months. Dont try to have the argument with yourself that you spent good money on it, and you need to have dinner on the table in under an hour. If ground beef is refrigerated promptly after cooking (within 2 hours; 1 hour if the temperature is above 90 F), it can be safely refrigerated for about 3 or 4 days. The Difference Between a Braise and a Pot Roast. Smell the meat first, then check it for signs of spoilage and discoloration before touching it to see if you can detect any sliminess. Thaw frozen beef in the fridge to keep it cold while defrosting. Thaw in the microwave. Heating it wont make it any safer to eat, nor will cooking up a new meal with it. "Typically with meats, they'll be sticky, slimy, and have off or foul odors." 7 If it smells funky or off, it's spoiled. A sell-by date tells the retailer how long a product can be displayed for sale. Do not leave it sitting out on the counter during the time it takes you to put everything else away in the cupboards. Last medically reviewed on December 18, 2019. Follow these three steps. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. This doesnt indicate spoilage. But the process of grinding meat exposes a larger surface area of ground beef to potentially harmful bacteria. 2.3 Step 3 - Sense the Meat Smell. Why Is beef still red after cooking? It will feel wet, but not slimy, and it will break apart easily in your hands. When spoilage bacteria grow in the meat, they create a sticky and mushy slime that will stick to your fingers. Keep in mind that the danger zone for growing bacteria on meat is above 40 F. While your ground beef is in the fridge it will be below this temperature and therefore safe from bacteria growth. When ground beef goes bad, it often gives off adistinctive odorthat smells a bit likeammonia. The opposite is true of ground beef that is totally fine. (2019). This is the date the supermarkets use toregulate their stock. Second, the odor should be strong and unpleasant. From that moment on, it slowly but surely loses quality till you cook and eat it. Here are some ways to tell if your beef is bad or not: 1. Good quality, unspoiled ground beef bought from the supermarket should be bright red on the outside. How long you can keep that steak in the fridge? You can tell ground beef is bad by checking its appearance, smell, and texture. It's important to know the signs of spoiling ground meat to prevent food poisoning. Finally, you can smell the beef. Food poisoning can be very serious, and it's always better to be safe than sorry. Learn about the benefits and risks of eating organ, Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. But maybe panic a little f you have ground beef sitting in the freezer - it has more surface area and it spoils way more quickly than whole steak does. How Long Will Ground Beef Stay Good When It Is Kept In The Freezer? How Long To Smoke A 3 lb Brisket-3 Easy Ways. Handling and storing ground beef properly reduces your risk of foodborne illnesses. Fresh ground beef should be wholesome and red, with varying degrees of white marbling depending on the cut and its leanness. Fresh ground beef should always be bright red in color. These signs could mean that there are pathogenic bacteria like salmonella or E. Coli contaminating your ground beef. Food poisoning can cause unpleasant symptoms ranging from nausea to vomiting. set an alarm on your cell phone, or leave a note on the freezer door. Make sure that you cook all your ground beef at once after youve taken it out of the fridge. That grayish color on the inside is okay. This article presents 20 easy ways you can reduce your food waste. But as those of you whove read this article know already, the answer is a little more nuanced than that. Bad beef has a lot of bacteria such as Pseudomonas spp. When they smell it cooking, they will always ask me for some before I put in the other ingredients. Normal, safe, fresh ground beef should not have a noticeable or unpleasant smell. Even the strong acid in your stomach do not kill these bacteria, which will multiply inside the human body at an exponential rate. How To Know With Certainty How Long Raw Chicken Can Sit Out? Spoilage and pathogenic bacteria may both affect ground beef. Sell-by and expiration dates are additional guidelines for determining whether your ground beef is good (7). 2004-2022 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK, a Red Ventures Company. Leaving uncooked meat atroom temperatureallows bacteria to proliferate. If you freeze the ground beef on the day the sell-by date expires, it will last for 3-4 weeks in the freezer. Play it safe when it comes to the food you put on the family table: Discard ground beef, whether raw or cooked, if it has been sitting too long on the kitchen counter or in the fridge. If the beef is brown or grey, it's probably not safe to eat. How to tell if ground beef is bad is not a challenging task. Signs of foodborne illness from bad ground beef include stomach cramps or pain, vomiting, diarrhea, chills and/or fever. This is a detailed review of beef (the meat from cattle), looking at its nutritional properties and health effects. Slime might develop on the meat's surface if this bacterium releases volatile chemicals. If freezing, it is advisable to eat ground beef within 4 months. However, since grinding the meat exposes more of its surface to air, spoilage organisms have more space to attach to it. Check the color and expiration date of the meat. Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. Hypertension: Can 15 minutes of yoga a day help control blood pressure? The opposite is true of ground beef that is totally fine. Meanwhile, the expiration date also labeled as best before tells you when the product is likely to start going bad. Once it goes bad, its no longer safe to eat. While the ground beef is sitting on the counter, it is attracting bacteria. While many products may feature a best before label, the FDA want to dispel confusion and instead use the term best if used by. Labels such as best before simply refer to how long the product is likely to keep its quality and flavor, not safety. Around three years ago, I decided to give up my day job as a teacher to pursue my passion for food. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. All rights reserved. This is probably the hardest way to tell if the ground turkey is bad. Meat has pigment called oxymyoglobin which, when oxygen gets at it, turns the meat bright red. I cant think of any dish that I make with ground beef that my kids dont like. How Should Bad Ground Beef Be Disposed Of? Most people have a number of health problems. The most common symptom is a fever of 101.5F (38.6C) or higher, followed by headache, muscle aches, headache-like symptoms, sore . Prod the surface of the beef and see if its texture feels like gunk. Once the ground beef is no longer pink inside, it is ready to eat. How to Tell If Ground Beef Is Bad Aside from the color, there are two other factors that you can check to determine if a package of ground beef is still OK to eat. These Three Signs Mean Your Ground Beef Has Gone Bad. People can also check the texture to see if meat is bad. Play it safe when it comes to the food you put on the family table: Discard ground beef, whether raw or cooked, if it has been sitting too long on the kitchen counter or in the fridge. This article takes a close look at mold in food and whether. These toxins are just as likely to cause food poisoning. How To Beat Egg Whites To Stiff, Impressive Peaks Every Time? Here are the health effects of red meat, including possible benefits and downsides of adding it to. This is why ground beef can only be left out for 1-2 hours at room temperature and why it won't keep in the refrigerator raw for more than 1-2 days. If you end up eating bad beef, it's important to see a doctor immediately. First of all, make sure that you put the ground beef in the fridge as soon as you bring it home. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page. If frozen, it should keep its quality for about 4 months. As a result, ice crystals form and tear up the muscle tissue, causing the meat to dry out and lose flavor over time. For confirming that color change is the indication of bad beef you must consider other signs as well. If it is brown or gray, it is probably bad. Symptoms can occur anywhere from one hour to 72 hours from consumption and generally last less than a week. It is safe for people to consume refrigerated ground beef up to 2 days after this date. Sometimes ground beef may still be bad,even if it smells fine. What happens if you eat cooked bad ground beef? Spoiled ground beef is dangerous to eat because it may contain pathogenic bacteria, which are responsible for foodborne illnesses. However, you should be extremely careful as the meat may start to cook if you don't keep a close eye on it. Is that can of tuna still good enough for your casserole? If a person has stored the meat at too high a temperature, or the packaging is torn or leaking, it is possible that bacteria has contaminated the ground beef. The meat gives off an unpleasant odor. What should raw ground beef smell like? (2014). Improperly cooked meat can harbor harmful bacteria. If you cant find the best before date anywhere on the packaging, check for the sell-by or display until date. To avoid spreading bacteria from one surface to another, wash your hands thoroughly after touching raw meat. | Trellis Framework by Mediavine. If Im honest, there have been times when I have left the hamburger in the freezer longer than I should have. But because there are localized rules surrounding these dates, most food products do tend to have a date on them. How Viagra became a new 'tool' for young men, The amazing story of hepatitis C, from discovery to cure, Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or Fiction, https://www.foodsafety.gov/food-poisoning/bacteria-and-viruses, https://www.cdc.gov/campylobacter/index.html, https://www.cdc.gov/campylobacter/symptoms.html, https://www.cdc.gov/foodsafety/foodborne-germs.html, https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/confused-date-labels-packaged-foods, https://www.cdc.gov/ecoli/ecoli-symptoms.html, https://www.cdc.gov/foodsafety/symptoms.html, https://www.foodsafety.gov/food-poisoning, https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/food-safety, https://www.cdc.gov/foodsafety/index.html%20%20, https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/meat/ground-beef-and-food-safety, https://www.fda.gov/media/101389/download, https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.4081/ijas.2015.4011, https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/food-safety-basics/steps-keep-food-safe, https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/food-safety-basics/refrigeration, https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/food-safety-basics/safe-temperature-chart, https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/general/index.html, https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/index.html, https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/dublin-11-19/index.html, https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/the_color_of_meat_depends_on_myoglobin_part_1, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6550395/, https://ask.usda.gov/s/article/What-are-spoilage-bacteria, https://www.fda.gov/media/125114/download. Multiplying spoilage bacteria can cause a strong odor to occur. Summary: Beef that has gone bad will develop a slimy or sticky texture and smell bad or "off.". Applying all three of these tests, smell, feel and look, should provide you with lots of indicators to determine if your ground beef is good or if it has turned bad. The time it takes food poisoning symptoms to start can vary. It usually takes the ground beef about 30 minutes to an hour to thaw using this method. If you get your ground beef from the supermarket, keep it sealed in the packaging: if you buy it from the butcher, ask them towrap it upin specialist butcher or freezer paper. Its safest to never eat raw or spoiled ground beef. There's a good likelihood the frozen beef has gone wrong if you observe some pinkish-looking flesh juices. Supplements for heart health: Which ones are beneficial and which ones are not? Check for spot clumps of ice crystals or white blemishes on your frozen meat. Fortunately, you can use a few simple ways to tell if your beef has gone bad. Most recipes that call for ground beef also call for fried onions. If it is slimy or sticky, it is probably bad. Contrary to what many of us think, these bacteria survive temperatures below freezing and dont die in the freezer. Confused by date labels on packaged foods? Cancer treatment shows promise against multiple sclerosis in mouse study, Alzheimer's: Blood test may detect 'toxic' protein years before symptoms emerge, Low levels of vitamin D in the brain linked to increased dementia risk. One quick way to determine if ground beef has spoiled or is good to eat is by looking at the color of the meat. If the meat smells sour or unpleasant, it's probably bad and you should discard it. This is called freezer burn. The retailer has to sell this meat before the display until date, and the beef should remain fresh if you keep it in a fridge for 1-2 days after this date. Food waste is a bigger problem than many people realize. How Can You Tell If Oatmeal Has Gone Bad Using A Surefire, How To Tell If Broccoli Is Bad 4 Foolproof Way. Accidental Spills. Texture: Raw ground beef should be firm and break apart if squeezed between your fingers. (2019). 3 Ways to Tell If Your Ground Beef Is Bad. Your email address will not be published. If you notice anygreen or blue sectionsof mold anywhere on the ground beef, get rid of this meat immediately. Heat exposure kills most bacteria, but it doesnt inactivate the heat-resistant toxins that they leave in the meat. How can you tell if ground beef is bad? If you are unsure if ground beef is bad, there are a few things you can do to check. How can you tell if ground beef is bad? However, a sticky or slimy texture either when cooked or raw may indicate the presence of spoilage bacteria. Fortunately, there are several tips you can use topreserve your raw meat properlyand ensure it doesnt go off in the first place. In these instances, I have been tempted to take a chance and cook it up, but then the reasonable side of my brain kicks in, thank goodness, and I remind myself of how ill everyone could become if I went ahead and cooked it up and served it. Ground beef should be firm and break apart easily in your hands. How Can You Stop Ground Beef From Going Bad in the First Place. If the beef is sticky, slimy, tacky, or smells bad, toss it. Most at risk for food poisoning are pregnant women, young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. Per the USDA, leftovers should be cooled quickly, sealed in ziplock bags or food storage containers with the lids closed, and then stored in the fridge, where they will keep for 3 to 4 days. Therefore, even though spoilage bacteria wont make you sick, you should always discard spoiled ground beef to avoid consuming disease-causing microorganisms. If freezing, it is advisable to eat ground beef within 4 months. Ground beef is commonly used to make burgers, meatballs, and sausage, as well as tacos, lasagna, and savory pies. Do I Need To Worry About Only A Few Spots Of Gray Or Green On The Surface Of The Ground Beef? Squeeze the meat in your fingers to feel its consistency. A way to easily tell if ground beef has been cooked long enough is when it has all browned. Hi, my name is Jess Smith, and I love cooking in my spare time. Never leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours. The interior of raw ground meat may be greyish brown due to a lack of exposure to oxygen. (Dont do this at home.). Learn more about what meats to eat and, Organ meats, also known as offal, are the commonly unused cuts of meats, such as tails and feet. Moreover, dishes made with ground beef are typically well-liked by children. Spoiled ground beef is slimy and mushy. To. The indicators of ruined ground beef will vary depending on how bad the meat is rotten to begin with. There are three main ways to tell that ground beef is bad. Matching search results: A sell-by date tells the retailer how long a product can be displayed for sale. It is important to always store ground beef properly in the fridge or freezer and consume within its recommended storage time for safety and optimal freshness. If the texture is slimy or sticky then the beef is not fit for eating. 2. Ground beef should also be discarded if it is past the use-by date and if it was not stored properly. Ground beef that has gone bad will be a little slippery, filmy, sticky and tacky. Many healthy foods can be stored long-term without spoiling. If it has turned rust-red or is otherwise slimy, you should discard it. Food will have the best taste and quality before this date. Though the scent of fresh ground beef is barely perceptible, rancid meat has a tangy, putrid odor. Fattier meats feel a little creamy, with a certain pastiness to them from the beef tallow. But the process of grinding meat exposes a larger surface area of ground beef to potentially harmful bacteria. Ground beef is very popular but highly perishable. If the meat has been stored in the freezer for an extended period of time, it may have developed freezer burn, which is characterized by dry, white patches on the surface of the meat. By the time you get home from work and you are ready to mix up some dinner, a lot of bacteria will have grown on that ground beef. Whats the Best Substitute for Greek Yogurt? Pathogenic bacteria arent perceptible to our senses, but they can cause food poisoning. It's not fun, and foodborne illness can be dangerous for the very young or old or those with compromised immune systems. Look for gray and brown blotches on the outer layer of the ground beef, as these are signs that your meat is beginning to decompose and decay. On the other hand, pathogenic bacteria are dangerous, as they can lead to food poisoning. Another way to tell if ground beef has gone bad is by simply smelling it. The most important thing is to apply common sense and trust your senses: Dont leave ground beef, raw or cooked, on the kitchen counter or dining room table for more than 1-2 hours. But if the ground beef is gray or brown on the outside surface of the meat, people should discard it. Raw beef contains myoglobin, which combines with oxygen to form oxymyoglobin, which has a bright red color. Spoilage bacteria are not generally harmful, but will cause food to lose quality. Discoloration on the surface of ground beef means it has gone bad. Meat that has turned bad will feel sticky, tacky, or slimy and should be thrown out. Research estimates that around 62% of all beef sold in the U.S. is ground. If beef develops a grayish. If youve ever wondered why food safety experts say that frozen ground beef stays safe to eat forever, this is the answer. Pungent Smell Spoiled beef has a bad smell that can make you want to gag. Safe minimum internal temperature chart. From freezer and, Many people believe red meat can harm your health. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. However, it is preferable to completely thaw the ground beef in the fridge as this will allow it to thaw evenly and cook more evenly. Disease-causing microorganisms grow rapidly in food thats been left at room temperature and are more likely to occur in spoiled food (6). I do this any time I am wavering on whether the ground beef is okay or if its bad, and my kids always make a judgment call immediately, and with confidence. If you see any signs of freezer burn, do not eat the meat. You can use it to make a delicious bolognese, shape it into patties for home cooked burgers, or fix beef tacos. 2. This article explains how to properly take the temperature of meat and discusses the recommended, Food spoilage is often caused by mold, and some types of it can produce harmful toxins. If it's pink or red, then it's probably not fresh and could be dangerous to eat. By simply looking at it, smelling and using your fingers to touch and feel the texture it's easy to tell if your ground beef has gone bad. Manage Settings Allow Necessary Cookies & ContinueContinue with Recommended Cookies. Always double-checkthe expiration date of your ground beef before deciding whether to eat it. Why Does It Take Steak Longer To Go Bad Than It Does Ground Beef? So if there is not a bad scent but the ground beef is displaying other signs that it has gone bad, it is still advisable to discard the meat. Do check the smell of the beef. Salmonella and STEC are the most common bacteria associated with food poisoning from ground beef. 2.5 Step 5 - Calculate How Many Days it has been on the Fridge. Be sure to carefully read the product label when buying ground beef. Or store your excess ground beef in the freezer, rotating it every few months for the best quality. Additionally, mold can spoil cooked ground beef, so you should toss your leftovers if you notice any fuzzy blue, grey, or green spots (5). This is why ground beef can only be left out for 1-2 hours at room temperature and why it wont keep in the refrigerator raw for more than 1-2 days. That way you can take it out in the morning, and add it to the rest of your garbage to be picked up. This particular hack only really applies to frozen ground beef, but its ahelpful signthat your meat might not be safe. If the meat is past its expiration date, its best to throw it away. Proper handling and storing are key to avoiding food poisoning from ground beef. But it is important to remember that pathogenic bacteria may not cause a bad smell. . Is ground beef bad if it turns brown in refrigerator? The inside of the meat will likely not have reacted with oxygen, so may be grayish brown in color, but is still perfectly fine to eat. You should then wrap the meatin aluminum foilbefore freezing it. All rights reserved. But it is likely to go bad faster than other cuts of meat, which can ruin the taste and make people sick. This test is probably the easiest and fastest way to determine whether meat has spoiled. Ground beef gone bad looks dull and gray, like dead meat. Click here to learn more about freezing and storing meat. Getty Images. How Do You Know When Ground Beef Has Been Cooked Long Enough? However, spoiled beef will typically have a slimy texture and a sticky feeling. If cooked ground beef has an off odor and/or a sticky and slimy consistency, throw it away and dont eat it. Meat color is regulated (mostly) by a heme ring on the surface of the myoglobin . Whether or not the sell-by date is passed, if the ground beef shows signs of spoilage, do not eat it. The hue of the beef indicates that it has gone wrong. Keep an eye on the meat; microwave wattages vary and these times are merely a guideline. The easiest way to see whether your meat has spoiled is to check its color. It should also be slightly moist. When cooking ground beef, the minimum internal temperature as measured with a food thermometer is 160F (71C). Smell the beef. Well, it depends on your diet and goal. These bacteria give your beef a very bad smell as they act on it. If the beef is not handled properly, or it's too old, pathogenic bacteria can grow and lead to some unpleasant food poisoning symptoms. This odor can be described as putrid and tangy. Put the zip-top bag with the frozen ground beef on a plate in the microwave and, Using the defrost setting, start defrosting for 3 to 4 minutes, flipping the bag over halfway through. Two examples of bacteria that may affect ground beef are spoilage bacteria and pathogenic bacteria. If it's tangy or putrid then the beef is not fit for eating. If you think you wont remember to take the ground beef out of the freezer the night before you want to use it (who hasnt done that?!) Spoiled ground beef develops a telltale rancid smell that indicates its dangerous to eat. I find this makes it easier to be certain that all of the meat has been browned. This discoloration suggests that it has started to go bad. Very simply, it will not be a good smell. (2016). Outbreaks of infections related to these bacteria occur fairly frequently in the United States (1, 3, 12, 13). Last medically reviewed on March 11, 2021. Second, smell the beef. To avoid potentially spreading bacteria, it is advisable for people to thoroughly wash their hands after handling raw meat. To thaw ground beef safely, remove it from the freezer, place it on a plate, and put it in the refrigerator the night before you want to use it. Refrigerate or freeze it as soon as you get home or within 2 hours of purchase. Multiplying spoilage bacteria can. If there are, wrap the ground beef with more plastic. When I have taken it out of the freezer and thawed it, I have been able to see that the coloring is quite brown throughout, and when I smelled it, it didnt smell the way fresh ground beef does. We all want to feel confident that the food we prepare for ourselves, our family and our friends is healthy, and that there is no danger of anyone falling ill due to something we have served them. The refrigerator should be at or below 40F (4C) and the freezer at or below 0F (-17C). Learn, Meats contain bacteria that are harmful if they enter the body. Choose a package thats cold to the touch and in good condition, without holes or scratches. Getting that second opinion can be very helpful, and will likely convince you one way or the other. Hopefully I have convinced you not to take a risk with your familys health. Read on to learn more about safely storing meat and the best practices for storing and freezing different meats. If your garbage day isnt for a while, or if its summertime and the weather is hot, and you do not want the garbage to stink, put the bad meat in a sturdy bag and set it in the freezer until garbage day. You might liken it faintly to iron. Meat is full of a pigment called myoglobin, which is responsible for delivering iron and oxygen to muscles. How To Tell If Cooked Ground Beef is Bad? How to tell if ground beef is bad. If this happens to you, turn off the stove, and regroup. How To Tell If Ground Beef Is Bad. If this isnt the case, theres a good chance that the package of meat in your refrigerator may have spoiled, and is no longer edible. If it smells sour or rancid, it's not good. Healthy and fresh ground beef should be abright shade of red. 3. Ground beef is a versatile meat. In the United States alone, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that every year, 48 million Americans contract food poisoning, 128,000 get hospitalized, and 3,000 die. Food safety basics. Quick Answer: How To Tell If Ground Beef Is Bad? Certain pathogenic microbes, likeListeria and Salmonella,might not emit a strong smell, but they can cause you harm if you eat them. To minimize the time that ground beef is left unrefrigerated, buy it last and head home directly from the store. When you break apart the ground beef you bought, you may see some gray on the inside. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Freezing can further extend its shelf life. Ground beef is a type of meat that is typically used in burgers, meatballs, and tacos. One way is to remember what it looked like when you bought it. The USDA recommends that ground beef is cooked to an internal temperature of 160F, or if it was previously cooked, to an internal temperature of 165F. Ground beef has a short shelf life due to processing that encourages bacterial growth. How To Tell If Ground Beef Is Bad? If it feels slimy or gummy and not firm, you should toss it out. If the surface is no longer red and has a dark gray color, it's been exposed to too much air; this could mean that the ground beef has already gone bad. If it feels slimy, it's starting to go bad. Campylobacter (Campylobacteriosis). Another way to tell if ground beef is cooked is by checking the color. If it turns gray or has a slimy appearance, it's time to throw it away. This might be caused by bacteria that produce ropy slime. My own kids love ground beef. The key to keeping frozen meat safe is to thaw it properly. When ground beef is fresh, it smells fatty, meaty, and yummy. Note, however, that if you've defrosted frozen ground beef, there will be some excess moisture, though it is usually much redder in color. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. When the frozen beef loses these crystals, it shrinks andbecomes dehydrated. Symptoms include fever, vomiting, stomach cramps, and diarrhea which may be bloody (9, 10, 11). If that is the case, run away, run away fast. Ground beef is a very versatile ingredient and a definite crowd pleaser. How Long To Bake A Delicious Ham Per Pound With Every Type? Two examples of bacteria that may affect . If your ground beef has turned either gray or brown on the outside, it signals that the meet is beginning to rot, so your best bet is to throw it away. Now that you know its okay to use, you can proceed with your dinner plans. Comment * document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a2d03ce532e772b4275c93af7c80e595" );document.getElementById("f991c2a919").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Home Cook Worldis a food magazine for those who like to spend time in the kitchen and eat at home. People should pay close attention to the color, texture, smell, and expiration date of ground beef. Gray, smelly and slimy meat should be thrown away. Its also not okay if the beef smells musty or medicinala sign that the fats have gone rancid and/or mold has formed on the surface of the meat. The danger is that as the juice comes into contact with other frozen foods, it can contaminate them. But what if youre in a big hurry, you grab the ground beef from the fridge, toss it in the frying pan, and dont bother looking at it very closely, touching it, or even smelling it? To minimize frost burn and the resulting dehydration of the meat, place the ground beef in a plastic bag and seal it with a vacuum sealer, making sure there is no air remaining in the bag. Salmonella infections linked to ground beef. These programs provide means for websites to earn commissions by linking to products. 3. Ground beef is a versatile meat that may be a staple item in many peoples diets. To avoid food waste, buy only as much beef as you and your family can cook and eat. Signs that ground beef has gone bad include an off odor, slimy texture, and a brownish color. Twenty-four hours should be sufficient for thawing the ground beef completely. A few simple techniques, including looking for changes in color, odor, and texture, can determine whether your ground beef has gone bad. How to tell if ground beef is bad Signs of spoilage: general appearance, smell, and taste General appearance: The first thing you will want to pay attention to are the visual signs. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device.We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development.An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Smell If you open the package and are met with an unpleasant smell, that's a sign the meat is beginning to spoil. However, . First, take a look at the color. Ground beef that has gone bad will be a little slippery, filmy, sticky and tacky. Gray, brown or green spots on the outside of the ground beef are mold. You canstore the leftover meatin your fridge or freezer to eat later on. Along with the smell test, you can use your fingers to test if ground beef is off. Ground beef is a popular food in the United States. We have to get a little sciency now. If you suspect a package of ground beef has been in the fridge a few days too many, refer to our tips on how to tell if its still edible. Ground beef lasts good 3 to 4 months in the freezer when it is stored at 0F or colder but it will lose quality over the time. Weve got you covered. This means it is likely to go bad faster than other cuts of beef. Its important to safely handle and store all types of meat. Outbreaks of food poisoning linked to ground beef are relatively common in the U.S. Bacteria that may cause these outbreaks include Salmonella, Escherichia coli (E. coli), or Campylobacter. However, if the texture is sticky or slimy, it might signify rotting bacteria. The smell is caused by the gases produced by the bacteria. People should be cautious if they suspect that ground beef may be bad. It isnt worth it! How to tell if ground beef is bad Check the texture Touch and carefully squeeze your ground beef. As a member, we earn commissions on qualified purchases made through our links. 3 Touch the meat to see if it feels slimy. But freezing is an unforgiving method of food storage, especially when it comes to ground beef. It applies to both raw and cooked ground beef. The fastest methods are throwing in ice water and defrosting in the microwave, but you must cook the meat immediately after its thawed out and not leave it raw. There are a few ways to determine if ground beef is cooked, but the most reliable way is to use a cooking thermometer. Well, it does. To reduce your risk of illness, you should always cook meat thoroughly and avoid eating spoiled or undercooked ground beef. Dont freak out. Oxymyoglobin is typically the red liquid that leaks out of meat that many people may mistake for blood. Once it reaches that temperature, it should continue cooking for another 5-7 minutes. If it does, throw the meat away. Does Garlic Go Bad? When your guests get up the next day and end up having to see a doctor, you do not want to be the cause. You should toss it immediately (14). How Long Will Ground Beef Stay Good When It Is Kept In The Refrigerator? (Sorry, bad pun, but I had to do it)! Sell-by and expiration dates tell you the best time to eat ground beef. If your ground beef has a sticky or slimy texture when raw or cooked, it has most likely gone bad. When Jim isn't in the kitchen, he is usually spending time with family and friends, and working with the HCW editorial team to answer the questions he used to ask himself back when he was learning the ropes of cooking. On average, ground beef will last 2-3 days after the sell-by day. You shouldnt eat ground beef past its expiration date unless its been frozen, in which case it can last up to 4 months (8). 2 A Step-by-Step Guide to Spot a Bad Steak. Surprisingly enough, the color of ground beef isn't enough to raise the alarm. The best way to tell if frozen ground beef is bad is to look for signs of freezer burn. Whats the healthiest meat to buy? The color of meat depends on myoglobin: Part 1. This bacteria can release volatile compounds that may cause slime to form on the surface of the meat. Spoilage bacteria are generally not harmful but cause food to lose quality and develop a bad odor and taste (3). This feeling makes you raise your eyebrows and you get a strong, almost compulsive need to wash your hands. Ground beef is a totally versatile and relatively inexpensive meat. Normal, safe, fresh ground beef should not have a noticeable or unpleasant smell. Asian-style stir fries often get a bad reputation for adding too much salt, MSG, and oil. EVD are similar to those of other viral diseases, such as measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), and chickenpox. Generally, ground beef should be relatively dry in its packaging, so if there's water rolling around in the packaging, it may be a bad sign. The sign that your cooked ground beef is rotten is the smell. The Rusty Spoon is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. 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