How to tell if ground beef went bad?

heythatsfun · 07-17-2008, 12:12 PM

I'm in the midst of cooking some ground beef hamburgers (broiling them). The package says that they don't expire until Saturday, but I've gotten meats that expire before they say a few times. Anyway, it was completely red with one area that was slightly brown, but it had a bit of a sour smell to it. Not horribly offensive or anything... but enough to make me notice. I'm trying to decide if I should eat these or not.

Thank you!

lisabinil · 07-17-2008, 12:38 PM

It if it smells its a sure giveaway its bad.

DorianH · 07-17-2008, 12:40 PM

Meat shouldn't smell. If it smelled enough to notice it, throw it out. I've gotten bad chicken and beef THE SAME DAY I bought it- it happens.

Bluegenes · 07-17-2008, 12:42 PM

If it smells "funny" that simply means the bacteria and or fungi are in the meat and doing their thing. Cook it VERY well or toss it.

whatjelly · 07-17-2008, 12:46 PM

I've found that those ones that smell a little off, taste that way too... I'm sure it's ok, but if in doubt, throw it out.

AllieCat0817 · 07-17-2008, 12:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by heythatsfun

I'm in the midst of cooking some ground beef hamburgers (broiling them). The package says that they don't expire until Saturday, but I've gotten meats that expire before they say a few times. Anyway, it was completely red with one area that was slightly brown, but it had a bit of a sour smell to it. Not horribly offensive or anything... but enough to make me notice. I'm trying to decide if I should eat these or not.

Thank you!

I'd prolly still eat it. I'd trash it if it was SUPER stankin. lol

talithasuya · 07-17-2008, 01:14 PM

If it smells sour it will taste sour, too. Toss it.

I too have brought some home, cooked it right away, and found that it was bad. I think it depends on the supermarket.

07-17-2008, 12:12 PM	#1
heythatsfun Senior LCF Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Originally from England, now living in the South of the US Posts: 357 Gallery: heythatsfun Stats: 5'1" ..... 145/140/115 WOE: Atkins (or trying anyway!)	How to tell if ground beef went bad? I'm in the midst of cooking some ground beef hamburgers (broiling them). The package says that they don't expire until Saturday, but I've gotten meats that expire before they say a few times. Anyway, it was completely red with one area that was slightly brown, but it had a bit of a sour smell to it. Not horribly offensive or anything... but enough to make me notice. I'm trying to decide if I should eat these or not. Thank you!

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07-17-2008, 12:38 PM	#2
lisabinil Big Yapper!!!! Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: suburbs of Chicago Posts: 8,773 Gallery: lisabinil Stats: 214/185/180 287 in 00 WOE: higher carb Atkins Start Date: SBD 3/5/07,Atkins 4/18/07	It if it smells its a sure giveaway its bad.

07-17-2008, 12:40 PM	#3
DorianH MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: RI Posts: 1,431 Gallery: DorianH Stats: 247/???/150 WOE: Moderate Carbs/Dairy Free Start Date: restart 7/7/2008	Meat shouldn't smell. If it smelled enough to notice it, throw it out. I've gotten bad chicken and beef THE SAME DAY I bought it- it happens.

07-17-2008, 12:42 PM	#4
Bluegenes Senior LCF Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Oregon Posts: 65 Gallery: Bluegenes Stats: 205/202/175 5'10" WOE: Barry Groves Start Date: June 2008	If it smells "funny" that simply means the bacteria and or fungi are in the meat and doing their thing. Cook it VERY well or toss it.

07-17-2008, 12:46 PM	#5
whatjelly MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Southwest Washington Posts: 1,155 Gallery: whatjelly Stats: 225/194/140 WOE: General Low Carb + high FAT Start Date: back at it: April 2008	I've found that those ones that smell a little off, taste that way too... I'm sure it's ok, but if in doubt, throw it out.

07-17-2008, 01:14 PM	#7
talithasuya Senior LCF Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Brooklyn Posts: 763 Blog Entries: 2 Gallery: talithasuya	If it smells sour it will taste sour, too. Toss it. I too have brought some home, cooked it right away, and found that it was bad. I think it depends on the supermarket.