Have you ever noticed a package of turkey meat looking a little.puffy? You’re not alone. This phenomenon, known as “bloating,” can be concerning, especially when it comes to food safety. But before you toss out that package, let’s delve into the reasons behind this puffiness and whether it’s safe to eat.
Bloating from Packaging Method
One reason for a puffed-up turkey package could be the packaging method itself. Many meat and poultry products are packaged using “modified atmosphere packaging” (MAP). This involves introducing a specific blend of gases into the package during processing. These gases, typically a mixture of nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and oxygen, help to extend the shelf life of the product by inhibiting the growth of spoilage-causing bacteria.
The presence of these gases can sometimes cause the package to appear slightly inflated. This is perfectly normal and does not necessarily indicate spoilage. However, it’s important to check the best-by or use-by date on the package and ensure it’s within the recommended timeframe for consumption.
Bloating from Spoilage
On the other hand, bloating can also be a sign of spoilage. When bacteria start to grow on the meat, they release gases as a byproduct of their metabolism. This gas buildup can cause the package to swell and become firm to the touch. Additionally, spoilage may be accompanied by noticeable off-odors, discoloration, or a slimy texture on the meat.
When to Be Cautious
If you notice your turkey meat package is bloated and accompanied by any of the following signs, it’s best to err on the side of caution and discard it:
- Past the best-by or use-by date: Even if the package appears normal, consuming meat past its recommended date increases the risk of foodborne illness.
- Unpleasant odor: A foul or sour smell is a clear indication of spoilage and should not be ignored.
- Discoloration: Changes in color, such as browning or graying, can indicate bacterial growth.
- Slimy texture: A sticky or slimy surface is another telltale sign of spoilage.
Bottom Line
While a slightly bloated turkey meat package due to MAP is generally safe to consume, it’s crucial to be mindful of spoilage indicators. Always check the best-by or use-by date, look for any off-odors or discoloration and feel for a slimy texture. If you notice any of these signs it’s best to discard the package and avoid the risk of foodborne illness.
Remember, when it comes to food safety, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. If you have any doubts about the condition of your turkey meat, throw it out and opt for a fresh package.
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On Wednesday, October 3, a nearly empty case featuring various chicken cuts is seen at a Publix supermarket. 20, 2021, in Miami. (AP) By.
As per the National Chicken Council trade association, puffiness in a sealed packaged bag of raw chicken “is not an indicator of spoilage.”
Food safety is so important in the U. S. that entire government departments are dedicated to protecting citizens from the food they eat
The U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration offer all kinds of advice about how to avoid foodborne illness. Wash hands. Keep raw foods separated from other foods. Thoroughly cook meat.
Not on the list: Steer clear of purchasing chicken in voluminous bags. That hasn’t stopped the internet, though, from releasing its own cautions.
“PSA: Air in bags of meat is not normal! Don’t eat it!!!” reads text across a Facebook video posted Oct. 13. The video hovers over a grocery store cooler filled with bagged chicken as a man pokes one of the sealed bags, which has become somewhat inflated, and tells viewers that he was hospitalized after consuming protein in similar packaging.
The caption for the video says, “When the bag is puffy like that, it means bacteria has started growing in there…Don’t buy it!”
The post was flagged as part of Instagram’s efforts to combat false news and misinformation on its News Feed. (Read more about our partnership with Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram.)
Verify This checked this claim in 2021 and found it to be wrong. That hasn’t changed.
A representative for the National Chicken Council informed PolitiFact that puffiness in a sealed, packaged bag of raw chicken is not a sign of spoiling.
“Food safety is not at risk with this USDA-approved packaging method,” stated Tom Super, a trade association spokesman. “The bags’ puffiness really shows that the packaging is correctly sealed.” The Sell By or Use By date, discoloration, an unpleasant odor, and/or leakage are the best markers of spoiling, not the specific packaging. “.
According to the USDAs official packaging and distribution guidelines, bag puffiness can result from a process called “controlled atmosphere packaging.”
As per the guidelines, packaging manufacturers substitute gases like carbon dioxide or nitrogen for some or all of the oxygen present in the bag or package to preserve the raw poultry. If not, the USDA website states that “oxygen in the air hastens both the chemical breakdown and microbial spoilage” of the protein.
Stated differently, the breakdown occurs more quickly the more oxygen is exposed to.
The USDA also states that examining the physical characteristics, color, and scent of poultry is the best method to determine whether it is safe to cook.
“In addition to the color change, the meat or poultry will have an off odor, be sticky or tacky to the touch, or it may be slimy,” the USDA says on its website. “If meat has developed these characteristics, it should not be used.” Our ruling
According to a widely shared Facebook video, raw chicken in sealed bags that look taut or “puffy” is a sign of spoiling and should not be consumed.
That’s false, according to USDA regulatory guidelines for packaging. Puffy packaging is generally an indicator the distributor used controlled atmosphere packaging, in which oxygen is supplemented with carbon dioxide or nitrogen.
We rate this claim False.
Facebook Reel (archived), accessed Oct. 13, 2022
Email interview with National Chicken Council spokesman Tom Super, Oct. 14, 2022.
U.S. Department of Agriculture, “The Color of Meat and Poultry,” accessed Oct. 14, 2022
U.S. Department of Agriculture, “Meat and Poultry Packaging Materials,” accessed Oct. 14, 2022
National Chicken Council, Overview and informational landing page, accessed Oct. 14, 2022
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VERIFY: Does frozen chicken in puffed-up packaging mean the meat is spoiled?
FAQ
What does it mean if meat package puffed up?
Why is my turkey package inflated?
Is it safe to eat food in swollen or bloated packaging?
What does it mean if food packaging expands?
How do you know if a meat package is puffed up?
The package is well-sealed. The package is puffed up in the store’s cooler because the meat has been frozen and then thawed. When the meat is completely thawed, the air pockets will be gone and the package will be flat. If you take the package home and leave it in the refrigerator overnight, it will be ready to cook the next day.
Why is my Ground turkey package puffed up?
However, the air inside the package is actually added intentionally to keep the meat juicy and help it cook evenly . The air is added during the grinding process, and it’s normal for the package
Can you eat puffed up meat at home?
“At this point, there is sufficient spoilage.” To keep meat from puffing up at home, make sure it’s refrigerated and that you use it quickly. If you won’t use it in a timely manner, then freeze it to keep it from becoming spoiled. The experts weigh in on whether you can eat meat in puffed up containers or if you should toss it.
Can you open a swollen meat package?
In an enclosed space with no holes, that gas will accumulate and eventually lead to swelling,” says microbiologist Jason Tetro, host of the Super Awesome Science Show and author of The Germ Code and The Germ Files. “In this case, you do not want to be opening the package because it will smell quite bad.” Are Swollen Meat Packages Safe to Eat?