Bacon is a kind of salt-cured pork that is made using several different cuts of meat either from the pork belly or from back cuts. It is considered as a delicious meat product among the bacon- fans around the world. Bacon lovers enjoy bacon prepared according to various recipes and various choices. In this case, it is also important to have an idea of identifying bad bacon. Through ‘How to tell if Bacon is bad’, you are introduced to various ways to check whether the bacon you are trying to consume is healthy or not. 

How to tell if the bacon is bad when purchasing?

01. If the ‘use-by date’ has already exceeded.

If the ‘use-by date’ has already exceeded, that bacon can no longer be used. Therefore you should be attentive when purchasing bacon.

02. If the ‘sell-by date’ on the package is beyond 1 or 2 weeks when purchasing.

The ‘sell-by date’ is the store’s guidance and the ‘use-by date’ is the expiration date of the manufacturer. Sometimes even if the ‘sell-by date’ has exceeded, it is still favorable for the usage but if the ‘use-by date’ has exceeded, that means you can no longer use the bacon. 

Cooked or uncooked, your bacon should be stored properly. Here are some storing tips to follow and the expiration periods.

		Methods to store in the freezer/ refrigerator	Freezer	Refrigerator
Opened	Cooked Bacon	Store it by wrapping it up with aluminum foil/ plastic or store it in a shallow airtight container.	Will last for 4/5 months	Will last for 5/6 days
	Uncooked Bacon	Use paper towels to wrap it up before storing it. That way, the paper towels will absorb the moisture in it so that it won’t get spoiled. Keep your bacon in a freezer or a refrigerator. Store it in a resealable plastic bag Use an aluminum foil or a plastic wrap to cover it up in a tight manner	Will last for 5/6 months	Will last for 1 week
	Bacon bits	Use paper towels to wrap it up before storing Store in a resealable plastic bag Wrap it with an aluminum foil	Will last for 6/ 7 months	Will last for 5/ 6 weeks
Unopened	Bacon	Store the product properly as it is.	Will last for 6/ 8 months	Will last for 10-14 days
	Bacon bits	Store the product properly as it is.	5/6 months	5/6 months

 

03. If it contains many ingredients.

Usually fresh and quality bacon will contain a small amount of ingredients such as pork, water, salt, brown sugar. Some manufacturers mention “no nitrates added” stickers on their products. Here, celery is used, instead of Sodium Nitrate. As there are nitrates in celery, it is not completely true. These signs show that they are not reliable and not safe to use. Make sure you purchase local products as they use a fewer amount of preservatives. 

How to tell if the bacon is bad before preparing?

04. If it smells bad.

Your bacon is still good to use if it has the ordinary smell from the meat. If it gives a dull, fishy, and unpleasant smell, then it is already spoiled. The reason for this could be the growth of bacteria like Staphylococcus, Salmonella, Clostridium, Bacillus, and Escherichia coli. 

05. If it doesn’t have a natural pink color.

You should first take a good look at the color before preparing it. If the bacon is fresh it contains the usual bright, pinkish color. If it has a grey-brown color or green dots all over, it means the bacon has already started to get worse.

06. If it is sticky when touching. 

Fresh meat gives a soft and moist feeling when touching. If your bacon is not stored well, it gives a slime touch due to the formation of lactic acid bacteria. If it is sticky when you touch, that means your bacon has already started to get worse. Also, make sure to wash your hands to clean the bacteria after you touched it. 

What happens if you eat bad bacon? 

If you don’t feel well after consuming prepared bacon, then that is a warning sign that the used bacon is spoiled. You may experience vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain, fever, headache, and body aches type of symptoms if you get to eat contaminated bacon. Some cases resolve on their own, even without serious treatments but some cases become serious health conditions. Therefore, if you suspect it is a consequence of consuming bad bacon, then make sure to seek medical treatments. 

Is bacon good or bad for health?

Bacon is considered a breakfast staple in many regions especially in countries like North America. Many people believe bacon is bad for health. The truth is that bacon does contain plenty of fats which ultimately cause to increase cholesterol levels. However, too much consumption will lead to such serious health conditions, and consuming the right amount will keep you healthy. Therefore it is wiser to be responsible for what you eat.

 

Despite our love for bacon, there is always the concern of it being unhealthy for your body. Bacon has a bad reputation of containing plenty of fats that cause high cholesterol leading to serious health conditions. You just have to eat the right proportion.

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