Pulled out some deli meat from fridge. My mother-in-law says it’s wasteful not to use it, but it looks bad to me. What should I do?

What to Do When Deli Meat Looks Bad: Navigating Food Waste and Freshness

We’ve all been there — you pull out a pack of deli meat from the fridge, only to find it doesn’t look quite as fresh as when you first bought it. Maybe it’s a little slimy, the color’s off, or there’s an unpleasant smell. Your first instinct might be to toss it out, but then you hear your mother-in-law’s voice reminding you that wasting food is wasteful. So, what should you do?

In this article, we’ll explore how to assess deli meat’s freshness, when it’s safe to eat, and how to avoid food waste without compromising your health or taste.

Step 1: Assess the Deli Meat’s Condition

When it comes to deli meat, the first thing you should always do is give it a thorough inspection. Use your senses to determine its freshness:

• Look: Deli meat should have a consistent, vibrant color. If it’s turning gray, green, or brown, it’s likely no longer fresh. Small spots of discoloration or dryness can be signs that it’s past its prime. However, a slight change in color doesn’t necessarily mean it’s spoiled, but it could be a sign that the meat is aging.
• Smell: Deli meat should have a mild, savory scent. If it smells sour, rotten, or off in any way, that’s a red flag that it’s no longer safe to eat.
• Touch: Fresh deli meat should feel slightly moist but not slimy. If it feels sticky or slippery to the touch, it’s usually an indication that bacteria have started to grow, and it’s best to discard it.

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