Canadian bacon, sometimes called back bacon, is a beloved breakfast staple in many households. Who doesn’t love a good eggs benedict with Canadian bacon on an English muffin? But if your pack has been sitting in the fridge for a while, how can you tell if it’s gone bad?
With a cured and smoked meat like Canadian bacon, it can be tricky to identify spoilage. But there are a few telltale signs that will let you know if it’s time to toss the pack in the trash.
In this article, we’ll go over the signs of bad Canadian bacon and tips on how to store it properly so you can enjoy every delicious slice. Let’s dive in!
Check the Smell
One of the most obvious ways to identify spoiled Canadian bacon is to give it a good sniff. Fresh Canadian bacon has a pleasant, smoky and salty aroma.
On the other hand, if you’re hit with a foul, sour, or sulfury smell, it means bacteria has started to multiply This gives off unpleasant odors as the bacteria metabolize and break down proteins
Trust your nose on this one. If it smells funky, it’s not good to eat. Safety first!
Inspect the Color
When fresh, Canadian bacon should have a bright pink color thanks to its cured meat. Over time in the fridge, it’s normal for the color to fade a bit to a lighter pink or beige.
However, if you notice any green, gray, brown or black discoloration, your Canadian bacon has probably gone bad. This change in color indicates microbial growth.
Mold will also appear fuzzy or slimy and can be white, green, black, or blue. If you see any mold at all, don’t bother trying to salvage it – just throw away the Canadian bacon.
Check for Sliminess
Fresh Canadian bacon should feel smooth, firm, and dry to the touch. If your Canadian bacon feels slimy or sticky, bacteria has likely started breaking down the fatty acids into slippery compounds.
Sliminess is a big red flag that microbes have set up shop in your Canadian bacon, so discard any packs that feel overly moist or gummy.
Pay Attention to the Expiration Date
To maximize freshness, check the expiration or use-by date on the Canadian bacon package. While not required, many manufacturers voluntarily provide sell-by or use-by dates.
A “sell-by” date tells stores when to pull the product from shelves. You can still safely eat the Canadian bacon for about a week after the sell-by date as long as it’s been properly stored.
A “use-by” date indicates the last day the Canadian bacon will be at peak quality and flavor. The USDA recommends throwing out Canadian bacon that’s passed its use-by date.
How to Store Canadian Bacon
To get the longest shelf life out of your Canadian bacon once opened, proper storage is key. Here are some tips:
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Store Canadian bacon in the original packaging or wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This prevents drying out.
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Keep Canadian bacon towards the back of the fridge, away from the door where temperature fluctuates.
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Don’t overcrowd your fridge. Too many items can obstruct airflow and lead to spoilage.
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Use opened Canadian bacon within 3-5 days for maximum freshness. Discard any leftover slices after a week.
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Freeze Canadian bacon for 1-2 months in airtight packaging if you can’t use it all up.
What Happens If You Eat Spoiled Canadian Bacon?
Eating spoiled foods like Canadian bacon can cause foodborne illness, with symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and abdominal pain.
Because Canadian bacon is cured rather than cooked, it can still contain bacteria that cause food poisoning. Cooking may kill the germs, but toxins can still remain.
Those at higher risk of illness include pregnant women, infants, young children, older adults, and those with compromised immune systems. See a doctor if you have severe or persisting symptoms.
Tips for Spotting Bad Canadian Bacon
Here are a few handy tips for spotting bad Canadian bacon before you take a bite:
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Trust your senses – if it smells or looks bad, it probably is. Don’t risk eating it!
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Check the date and follow use-by/sell-by dates closely.
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Inspect all sides of the Canadian bacon, not just one area or side.
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When in doubt, throw it out! It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to suspect meats.
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Purchase high-quality Canadian bacon and store properly for max freshness.
Enjoy Safe Canadian Bacon with Coleman Natural
When it comes to high-quality Canadian bacon you can trust, look no further than Coleman Natural. Their Canadian Bacon is crafted from premium pork raised humanely on family farms.
Coleman Natural Canadian Bacon contains no antibiotics, added hormones, artificial ingredients, or preservatives. Their heritage breeds are raised cage-free in low-stress environments for better flavor.
You can feel good knowing Coleman Natural sources their pork safely and ethically. Check for their American Humane Certified label.
So enjoy delicious Canadian bacon breakfasts without the worry. Coleman Natural brings homestyle goodness from farm to table!
About This Article
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If you’re not sure how to tell if bacon is bad, check the expiration date on the packet. Bacon that is more than 7 days past its “sell by” date or past its “use by” date should not be eaten. Still not sure if the date is good? Smell the bacon to see if it still smells good. If it smells sour or off, it’s probably bad. Also, take a close look at the bacon. You should throw it away if it has green dots, looks dull, or is turning gray-brown. Keep reading for tips on how to shop for the best bacon!.
Things You Should Know
- Bacon has a “sell by” or “use by” date on the package. It should be eaten before the “use by” date or no later than 7 days after the “sell by” date.
- Check the bacon for mold spots, green, gray, or brown spots, or a slimy feel. All of these signs mean the bacon has gone bad.
- Check to see if your bacon smells sour or rotten. Even a hint of a bad smell means the bacon is bad.
- Bacon can be kept in the fridge for up to 7 days or frozen for up to 4 months in a container that doesn’t let air in. Dispose of spoiled bacon in an airtight freezer bag.
Canadian Bacon is actually American | Anika Rose
FAQ
How long will Canadian bacon last in the fridge?
Is it normal for Canadian bacon to be slimy?
How to tell if bacon has gone bad?
Is it okay to eat slightly brown bacon?
How do you know if Canadian bacon is bad?
Fresh Canadian bacon should have a slight smoky smell. If it smells sour or rancid, it has gone bad and should be discarded. Additionally, spoiled Canadian bacon will often be slimy or sticky to the touch. If you see any of these signs, it is best to err on the side of caution and throw out the Canadian bacon.
How do you know if Bacon is bad?
Smell your bacon and check for a sour or rotten smell–even just a hint of an unpleasant smell is a sign of bad bacon. Store your bacon in an airtight container for up to 7 days in the fridge, or up to 4 months in the freezer. Dispose of spoiled bacon in an airtight freezer bag. Check the expiry date on the bacon packet.
What does Bacon smell like?
Bacon shouldn’t have a strong, rancid scent. If anything, it should smell a bit smoky. If you’re met with a sour or sulfuric odor, your bacon has likely gone bad. This stench occurs when bacteria, yeast, and fungi take hold of the bacon. The microbes may produce odors themselves or cause the bacon to release off-putting aromas.
Does bacon go bad?
This would only occur if the bacon contains viruses, bacteria, parasites, or toxins. With that being said, if you pay attention to the dates on the packaging, be mindful of the four signs bacon has gone bad, and choose trusted, high-quality bacon, this can reduce your chances of food poisoning.