I’ve always joked that adding bacon to a recipe is just plain cheating. Its mixture of saltiness, smokiness, and flavorful fat can take an ordinary dish from ho-hum to holy moly! (This Brussels sprouts recipe is a good example.) Of course, it’s also delicious on its own, whether for breakfast or as a crunchy snack. 

Bacon’s high fat content is what makes it so irresistible, but it’s also the reason it can quickly turn rancid. Spoiled bacon will ruin not only your meal, but possibly your day if you get a case of food poisoning. Here’s how you can tell if your bacon is safe to eat and also how long you should expect it to last.

How to Tell If Bacon Has Gone Bad 

• Appearance: Fresh bacon should be a vibrant pink with marbled white fat streaks. Any significant color change is a red flag. If you see a noticeable discoloration, like a grayish, greenish, or brownish tint, throw it out immediately. In some cases, you might be able to see mold spots that are either white or black. Don’t be tempted to cut off the visibly molded parts and use the rest. Even if you can’t see mold, it could be lurking there. When in doubt, throw it out.
• Texture: A slimy texture or stickiness on the bacon indicates bacteria is present. Slime occurs when bacteria begins to break down the meat. If your bacon is slimy or sticky to the touch, discard immediately.
• Smell: While fresh bacon has a subtle meaty smell, bacon that has gone bad will emit a strong, unpleasant odor. A sour or sulfuric smell means that bacteria, yeast, or fungi are growing on the meat, and it needs to be tossed out.

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