Ham is a popular deli meat that is commonly enjoyed in sandwiches wraps on pizza and in many other dishes. However, like any meat, ham can go bad and become unsafe to eat. If you accidentally eat ham that has spoiled, you may wonder – what actually happens if you eat bad ham?
Unfortunately, consuming bad ham can cause foodborne illness, also known as food poisoning. The symptoms and severity can vary based on the type and amount of contamination. Here’s an overview of the risks and what to expect if you eat spoiled ham.
Food Poisoning Causes
There are a few main reasons why ham can become unsafe to eat:
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Bacterial contamination – Ham can become contaminated with dangerous bacteria like salmonella, listeria, E. coli and staphylococcus. This occurs more readily in deli-style hams rather than canned hams.
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Toxin formation – Some bacteria produce toxins as the ham spoils that are not destroyed by cooking These include staphylococcal and clostridium botulinum toxins,
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Mold growth – Visible mold growing on ham indicates spoilage Some molds may also produce mycotoxins that can cause illness,
Eating bad ham contaminated with pathogenic bacteria, toxins or mold can all lead to foodborne disease. The most common symptoms include:
Common Symptoms
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal cramps
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Headaches
Symptoms typically begin within 12-48 hours after ingesting the contaminated ham. However, the timing can vary depending on factors like your age, health status, and the type of bacteria or toxin involved.
For example, salmonella symptoms usually start within 6-48 hours, while listeria may take up to 2 months to cause illness.
Duration of Symptoms
In most healthy individuals, symptoms from eating spoiled ham last around 24-48 hours as the body clears the infection. However, symptoms can linger for up to 10 days for certain pathogens.
Make sure to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration, which can worsen food poisoning symptoms. See a doctor if you experience persistent vomiting, bloody stools, high fever, stiff neck or neurological symptoms.
Risk Factors
While anyone can get sick from eating bad ham, certain groups have a higher risk for severe complications:
- Young children
- Older adults
- Pregnant women
- Those with weakened immune systems
Newborns and those over 65 are especially vulnerable. Pregnant women need to be extra cautious as some bacteria like listeria can cause pregnancy complications or infect the newborn.
Potential Complications
In otherwise healthy individuals, food poisoning from ham will usually resolve on its own without treatment. However in some cases, complications can arise including:
- Dehydration
- Electrolyte abnormalities
- Low blood pressure
- Kidney failure
- Meningitis
- Reactive arthritis
- Sepsis
Seek prompt medical attention if you experience prolonged vomiting/diarrhea, bloody stools, blurred vision, disorientation, high fever, or purple rash. Bacterial infections that penetrate deeper into body tissues can have severe consequences.
Preventing Foodborne Illness
To avoid getting sick from bad ham, proper handling, cooking and storage are key:
- Wash hands before and after handling raw ham
- Separate raw ham from other foods
- Cook ham to an internal temperature of 160°F
- Chill ham at 40°F or below
- Discard ham within 3-5 days of opening the package
Also inspect the ham for any foul odors, sliminess or visible mold before eating. If in doubt, throw it out!
Treatment for Food Poisoning
Most cases of food poisoning from ham can be managed at home by resting, staying hydrated and eating bland foods as tolerated. Over-the-counter medications like Pepto-Bismol can help control diarrhea and nausea.
See a doctor if you have severe dehydration, persistent bloody stools or fever over 102°F. Infants, elderly and those with compromised immune function may need IV fluids and close monitoring.
Antibiotics are not routinely given but may be warranted in severe cases or for those at high risk of complications. Always finish the full antibiotic course as directed.
Try to identify the contaminated ham source and report to the grocery store or local health department to prevent further illnesses.
The Bottom Line
Eating bad, spoiled ham can definitely make you sick. Foodborne pathogens or toxins in the meat can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and other unpleasant symptoms within 12-48 hours after ingestion. Though most healthy people will recover on their own, some can develop potentially serious complications. To keep your family safe, handle and store ham properly, watch for signs of spoilage and chuck it when in doubt! Being cautious about ham freshness and expiration dates reduces your risk of coming down with a nasty case of food poisoning.
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Things You Should Know
- If ham starts to smell bad, change color, or feel sweaty or slimy, it’s bad.
- Wrap ham in foil, butcher paper, or plastic wrap to keep it in the fridge. You can also put it in the fridge in a container or freezer bag that won’t let air in.
- Ham usually stays good for three to five days in the fridge or one to two months in the freezer.
What Eating Rotten Food Really Does To Your Body
FAQ
How long after eating bad ham will I get sick?
What to do if you eat spoiled ham?
How can you tell if ham is bad?
What does bad ham taste like?
What happens if you eat a ham?
The most common symptoms you might experience are stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. If you find yourself in this unfortunate situation, the first thing to do is stop eating the ham immediately. Then, drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated, especially if you’re experiencing vomiting or diarrhea. You should seek medical attention.
Is ham good for someone with diabetes?
No. Ham, like other processed meats, is not a healthy food for anyone and should not be consumed often due to its high content of chemical additives.
Why does my ham go bad?
Ham is a type of processed pork that has been salted, smoked, and then cooked. Improper storage may cause this ham to go wrong as it has a short shelf life if it is not stored correctly. In this article, I will discuss ham, some healthy tips for making your ham more nourishing, how to tell if the ham is bad, and how to store ham.
Are smoked hams bad for You?
Many hams come smoked or cured, which adds major flavor to the meat but also contributes some unhealthy properties that can contribute to a higher disease risk through multiple mechanisms. “Both curing and smoking are forms of processing that have been linked to increases in certain types of carcinogens ,” Brooking says.