What’s worse than discarding uneaten bacon? The potential of getting sick from spoiled bacon, which can dampen your enjoyment of this beloved food.
Due to its curing process, bacon often causes confusion regarding its shelf life. Though it lasts longer than raw meat, spoiled bacon can still pose health risks. We reached out to experts to learn about bacon’s longevity, its storage needs, and signs it has gone bad.
Three Main Varieties of Bacon
Typically, when people in the United States mention bacon, they mean the variety found near the lunch meats in grocery stores. This type is cured with salt and nitrates, heat-processed, sliced, and cooled to below 40°F to prevent bacterial growth.
However, bacon is not limited to mass-produced versions. Dry-cured bacon, for instance, is processed by curing pork for several days, offering greater resistance to bacteria. Uncured bacon, though technically cured, uses natural rather than synthetic nitrates, presenting a healthier option for some consumers.
Simply Recipes / Alison Bickel
How Long Does Bacon Stay Fresh in the Fridge?
According to USDA guidelines, opened bacon should be used or frozen within seven days for optimal freshness. For unopened bacon, it’s best to use it within one month or within a week past its sell-by date if refrigerated.
How Long Can Bacon Be Left Out?
A fundamental rule of food safety is not to leave raw or cooked meat out for more than two hours. This applies to both uncooked and cooked bacon to prevent the growth of bacteria like salmonella and trichinosis.
If bacon has been out for over two hours, particularly if uncooked, it’s safer to discard it.
How to Recognize Spoiled Bacon
Use your senses to determine if bacon has expired. Here are key indicators that your bacon may have gone bad:
- Visual Check: A color change to greenish, greyish, or the presence of mold spots indicates spoilage.
- Smell Test: Fresh bacon should smell mildly smoky. A sour or sulfuric odor is a sign of spoilage.
- Touch: A slimy texture suggests that the bacon is no longer safe to consume.
Proper Bacon Storage Tips
Keep unopened bacon in its original packaging in the refrigerator for up to a month. Once opened, wrap the bacon tightly in plastic wrap and store it for up to a week, staying alert for any signs of spoilage.
For extended preservation, freeze bacon. An unopened package should be wrapped again in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and can remain frozen for up to four months. For opened bacon, tightly wrap it in plastic and foil, then freeze within a week of opening.
To safely thaw bacon, move it to the fridge 24 hours before cooking, or immerse the sealed package in a bowl of cold water, changing the water every half hour until thawed.
