Coleman Natural Hickory Smoked Uncured Bacon is a family favorite. It tastes salty and is crispy and satisfying. The average American eats about 18 pounds of bacon a year, so it’s not surprising that it’s often gone within a day or two of being brought home from the store or delivered to your door.
However, sometimes your bacon might get pushed to the back of the fridge. Or perhaps you find yourself buying a bit more than your family can eat. Before long, you might be wondering whether your bacon has gone bad or is still edible.
No matter how natural the ingredients are that are used to cure and smoke our bacon, it doesn’t stay fresh forever. If you want to know if your bacon is safe to eat, let’s talk about how it was packaged and four signs that it’s time to throw it away. Table of Contents.
Bacon is beloved by many as a tasty breakfast meat. But like any food, it’s susceptible to spoilage if not stored properly. Mold growth is one potential risk, which can render bacon unsafe to eat. This article covers what causes bacon to mold, health hazards, prevention methods, and proper storage techniques to maximize shelf life.
Can Bacon Grow Mold?
Yes, bacon can definitely develop mold. Raw bacon provides optimal conditions for mold growth due to its high moisture content. If you notice any fuzzy discoloration or growth on the surface, your bacon has spoiled due to mold contamination.
While it may seem tempting to simply cut off moldy areas, contamination likely extends beyond visible portions Bacon’s soft texture enables molds to rapidly spread deeper than the surface. Do not attempt to salvage bacon with any mold present, even if most looks normal Discard the entire package.
What Causes Mold Growth on Bacon?
A variety of factors lead to mold developing on bacon
- High moisture enables mold to thrive.
- Bacteria and spores are present in meat processing environments.
- Bruises or nicks on bacon allow mold entry points.
- Improper refrigeration temperatures above 40°F facilitate microbial growth.
- Prolonged storage leads to gradual mold colonization over time.
- Opening packaging exposes the meat to airborne spores.
Mold formation on cured meats like bacon is difficult but not impossible to prevent. Proper handling and storage methods help reduce mold risks.
Is Moldy Bacon Safe to Eat?
Consuming bacon with mold present poses potential health risks and should always be avoided Ingesting moldy foods may cause
- Allergic reactions with rashes, watery eyes, runny nose, and breathing difficulties.
- Gastrointestinal issues like vomiting and diarrhea.
- Infections in immunocompromised individuals.
- Toxic effects from mycotoxins that some molds release.
While cutting away visible mold seems logical, the contamination likely spread deeper into the meat where spores are unseen but present. Full discard is advised.
Tips to Prevent Bacon Mold
Here are some tips to help avoid mold growth on bacon:
- Refrigerate below 40°F as soon as possible after purchase.
- Freeze for longer storage. Thaw completely before use.
- Wrap tightly in airtight packaging to limit air exposure.
- Cook within 5 days of opening package.
- Inspect frequently for any growths and discard at first signs.
- Wipe any surface mold immediately with vinegar.
- Keep separate from ready-to-eat foods to prevent cross-contamination.
Following safe handling and storage methods helps impede mold’s ability to colonize cured meats like bacon. But how should you store bacon for maximum freshness?
Proper Storage to Maintain Bacon Quality
To prevent bacon spoilage, including mold development:
Refrigeration
- Place bacon in coldest section of refrigerator, ideally at 35-38°F.
- Use within 5 days for highest quality, though refrigerated bacon remains edible for up to 2 weeks.
Freezing
- Freeze in original packaging for up to 1 month.
- For longer freezing, rewrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store in airtight containers.
- Frozen, unopened bacon keeps for up to 6 months.
- Thaw completely in fridge before using. Do not refreeze.
Opened Packages
- Roll out wax paper between slices to prevent sticking.
- Store opened packs in sealed containers or bags, layered between wax paper.
- Use opened bacon within 5 days.
Following safe refrigeration and freezing guidelines prevents mold growth and maintains bacon’s quality.
What to Do if You Find Mold on Bacon
If mold develops on refrigerated bacon:
- Discard the entire package – do not attempt to salvage unaffected portions.
- Clean the contaminated refrigerator area thoroughly with hot, soapy water to destroy lingering spores.
- Monitor other meats for possible spread and discard if mold also develops on additional products.
Finding mold on bacon indicates improper storage conditions. Be vigilant about refrigeration temperatures and food handling practices to prevent recurrence. When in doubt, throw it out.
Bacon’s high moisture content makes it vulnerable to mold growth when improperly stored. Refrigerating at temperatures below 40°F, freezing for extended storage, keeping tightly wrapped, cooking within 5 days of opening, and frequent inspection help reduce mold risks. Discard any bacon showing mold immediately and clean refrigeration surfaces to prevent spread. While not foolproof, vigilant storage methods and handling can minimize likelihood of discovering fuzzy bacon in the morning. With proper precautions, bacon can retain its delicious appeal at breakfast time.
IT DOESN’T SMELL QUITE RIGHT
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.
Sometimes bacon’s distinct smoky smell can mask these odors. So, if you’re not sure, you should also look for other signs that your bacon is past its prime.
How Long Can You Keep Bacon in the Freezer?
- Putting your bacon in a plastic bag that won’t let air in and freezing it is one of the best ways to keep it fresh for longer.
- Fresh frozen bacon will stay tasty for up to a month if it’s well sealed.
- Bacon can be kept in the freezer for more than a month if it is kept at 0°F or lower, but it may become dry, get freezer burn, and lose quality overall.
If you’ve found yourself with more bacon than you can manage, try incorporating it into other dishes. Remember, bacon isn’t just a breakfast food. Corn and bacon chowder is a quick meal that you can make during the week, and air-fried sweet potatoes wrapped in bacon are the perfect snack for watching football or movies. You could also make this tasty Herb Pork Cubano Sandwich in five minutes if you want a hearty lunch without much work.
What To Do When You Find Mold On Your Cured Meats
FAQ
Can I eat bacon with mold on it?
What does bacon mold look like?
How can you tell if bacon has gone bad?
Can bacon go bad in the refrigerator?
What happens if you eat moldy Bacon?
If your bacon has mold, odds are it is also slimy, smelly, and discolored. Even if mold is the only sign of spoilage present it should be tossed. Do not cut off the mold and assume the rest of the bacon is fine. Often times the bacteria can be throughout the meat and not just where the mold was.
How do you know if Bacon has mold?
If your bacon has been sitting for a while or there was cross contamination with other food, it could also start to grow mold. If your bacon has mold, odds are it is also slimy, smelly, and discolored. Even if mold is the only sign of spoilage present it should be tossed. Do not cut off the mold and assume the rest of the bacon is fine.
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.
Why is my Bacon packaging bad?
the bacon packaging is night and tight. A bad seal allows oxygen into the package which beings the spoiling process and it can go bad even before the “use by” date has passed. This bad packaging pulls away easily creating large gaps. How to tell if Opened Bacon is Bad?