Meat is rich in protein and one of the body’s main sources of vitamin B12. It is an essential element of a diet, but it is important to know when it has gone bad. It is vital that you don’t take any chances; that you eat meat when it is at it’s best.
One of the easiest ways to identify meat that is no longer safe to consume is by the smell. In this blog, we will discuss how to avoid health risks and answer the question of what does spoiled meat smell like.
Why Does Meat Go Bad?
Meat is a perishable good, which means it can spoil quickly. There are several reasons why meat can go bad, the main of which is improper storage temperatures. Improper storage temperature encourages the growth of bacteria that produces the slime, toxins and odours that you associate with spoiled meat. Other reasons include the age of the meat, exposure to air and cross-contamination.
Always check the “best before” date of your meat, especially if you are worried about whether it is going off.
We have written blogs on how to store meat at home as well as how to store meat in your fridge. With a quick read of these short, comprehensive guides you will understand all you need to know about storing meat correctly and preventing it from spoiling.
How to Identify Spoiled Meat
Fresh meat has a distinct odour that is instantly recognisable. The smell, often described as sweet or slightly metallic, is caused by the breakdown of amino acids in the meat. As we’re sure you’ve experienced, with spoiled meat there is a significant change in that smell.
Odour
When the meat starts to spoil, it undergoes a process called putrefaction. This process leads to the production of cadaverine, putrescine, and other amines. The smell of spoiled meat can be incredibly overpowering and somewhat impossible to ignore.
If you notice a strong, unpleasant smell coming from your meat it is always best to play it safe and throw it away. It is simply not worth the risk when you take into consideration that consuming spoiled meat can lead to food poisoning and a variety of health issues.
In addition to a noticeable smell, bad meat will undergo some colour changes. A piece of meat that is still safe to eat will feature a bright, healthy colour. Beef will have a bright red hue and pork will have a pink shade. When the meat starts to go bad it will have a slight colour change. Typically, it will start to turn a shade of grey or brown.
Take the time to thoroughly inspect your meat before cooking. If you notice any changes in the colour, you may want to err on the side of caution and discard the meat.
Texture
Another way to identify if meat has gone bad is by its texture. A sticky or slimy texture is a common indicator of meat that is “going off”. The breakdown of proteins creates a gooey film on the top surface of the meat.
These changes in texture are caused by the growth of bacteria, which break down the protein in the meat and cause it to lose its natural texture. If you notice any of these texture changes in your meat, it’s best to avoid eating it altogether.
Can I Cook Spoiled Meat?
No, you should never consume meat if you suspect it is spoiled. Symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and fever are all commonly associated with food poisoning. While cooking the meat will kill the bacteria in the meat, it will not neutralise the toxins that the bacteria has already produced.
Get In Touch
Knowing the identifying factors of spoiled meat is crucial for ensuring food safety. Proper storage and handling of meat can help prevent it from spoiling and keep you and your family safe from foodborne illness.
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The smell, often described as sweet or slightly metallic, is caused by the breakdown of amino acids in the meat. As we're sure you've experienced, with spoiled meat there is a significant change in that smell.
This may be the first thing you notice if your beef has gone bad, even before you open the fridge. Spoiled beef will develop a scent to it similar to ammonia or sulfur. In short, it won't smell good.
Wet and juicy is OK, but you never want your meat to be slimy to the touch,” advised Peisker. After passing the look and touch tests, then it's time to use your nose. “Different meat has different smells," said Peisker but, generally, rotten meat actually smells slightly sweet.
Obvious signs of spoilage, like mold, are clear indicators that you'll be tossing that cut and buying a new one. Other tell-tale signs of spoilage include meat that looks slimy, shiny, crusty, and/or off color. Raw beef should ideally be a beautiful red or even purplish hue and look moist but not wet.
If your meat has passed the expiration date, is sticky or slimy, or was not stored correctly, it smells like eggs; the best choice is to dispose of it. Certain bacteria interact with blood and proteins, releasing sulfur-based, egg-like scent. Ground beef that is not properly cooked can also emit an ammonia smell.
For instance in the poem, it states, “Does it stink like rotten meat? Or crust and sugar over like a syrupy sweet?” (lines 6-8). These lines describe that when an individual has a deferred dream it can carry a stench of 'rotten meat' because they have been carrying around their dream for a long time.
How can you tell if something is rancid? With your nose. Rancid foods have the same look and texture as when they were purchased, but their smell and taste have changed. The odour is akin to wet cardboard, oil paint, wood varnish or play dough.
During the last few months of the cow's life, they're given a high-grain diet, consisting of corn, soy, corn by-products, and additional supplements. This helps the cow grow and increases marbling. The grains leave the meat with a sweeter taste. Grass-fed cows eat a combination of grass and other forage available.
“If you open the package and the meat feels or looks slimy, that's a problem,” states Dr. Craggs-Dino. “Fresh ground beef should be a little firm to the touch and crumbly. But if it's sticky and looks wet, that's not so good.
Oven Via clarifies that although cooking spoiled meat can kill germs, mold, and other kinds of bacteria, it's still not safe to eat as it will not get rid of harmful toxins.
Though the scent of fresh ground beef is barely perceptible, rancid meat has a tangy, putrid odor. Once it goes bad, it's no longer safe to eat. The scent changes due to the increased growth of spoilage bacteria, such as Lactobacillus spp. and Pseudomonas spp., which may also affect the flavor.
A bad smell, a slimy or sticky texture as well as discolouration are all potential signs of spoilage on meat, seafood or chicken. Even though meat may not necessarily be bad, you should err on the side of caution. Look at, touch and smell the meat for important clues about its freshness.
This is normal.) When you open a vacuum-sealed package, you might notice a slight tangy, sour, or sulfuric odor, which is often the result of the protein being packed alongside its own juices. Lactic acid builds up inside the sealed package, which is simply a sign that the protein has been preserved properly.
This darkening is due to oxidation, the chemical changes in myoglobin due to the oxygen content. This is a normal change during refrigerator storage. Beef that has turned brown during extended storage may be spoiled, have an off-odor, and be tacky to the touch and should not be used.
However, steak that's been in the refrigerator for several days may also turn grey, indicating that it may have been exposed to more oxygen in the refrigerator. Still, this doesn't necessarily mean that it's not safe to eat, especially if it doesn't have an off-putting smell or slimy texture.
The smell of a decomposing body is intensely pungent, a heavy, sickly-sweet odor mingled with the foulness of rotting meat, underscored by sharp, acrid notes of ammonia and sulfur compounds like hydrogen sulfide, which evoke the stench of rotten eggs.
“If you open the package and the meat feels or looks slimy, that's a problem,” states Dr. Craggs-Dino. “Fresh ground beef should be a little firm to the touch and crumbly. But if it's sticky and looks wet, that's not so good.
Introduction: My name is Margart Wisoky, I am a gorgeous, shiny, successful, beautiful, adventurous, excited, pleasant person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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