How To Tell If Smoked Meat Is Bad [10 Signs]

Hello, foodies! A delightful delicacy that can give any dish an additional taste boost is smoked meat.

However, how often have you opened your refrigerator, taken a package of smoked meat out, and questioned,

“Is this still okay to eat?” All of us have been there.

Knowing when smoked meat has gone bad is crucial since eating it might result in major health issues.

We’ll go through several quick techniques to determine whether your smoked meat has gone bad in this post.

So grab a cool beverage, and let’s begin!

How To Tell If Smoked Meat Is Bad

Look for anything that has an odd look, such as discoloration or mold development.

Check the meat’s smell for any odd or rotten smells.

Stay away from meat if you’re unsure to reduce your chance of contracting a foodborne disease.

Signs that Smoked Meat Has Gone Bad

Here are some common signs that smoked meat has gone bad:

Slimy Texture

Smoked meat that has a slimy or sticky texture to the touch has probably gone bad.

It’s advised to avoid eating the meat because of the slimy feel, which is brought on by germs that have started to develop on the surface of the flesh.

Strong or unpleasant odor

This is the first indication that smoked meat has gone bad.

The meat may have a putrid or ammonia-like stench, or it may smell sour, musty, or rancid.

It is preferable to throw the meat away if the odor is overpowering and disagreeable.

Color Changes

Smoked meat that has gone rotten may have color changes.

The flesh may become gray or brown, develop black blotches, or both.

It is advised to avoid eating meat if the color has changed significantly.

Presence of mold

The presence of mold is another typical indicator of spoiled smoked meat.

The surface of the meat may develop mold, which can be white, green, or black in appearance.

It is better to discard the meat if you notice mold on it.

Off-Taste

Smoked meat may be spoiled if it tastes different from what you would anticipate.

The meat may taste rotten or metallic, or it may be harsh or sour.

It is better to avoid eating meat if the flavor is poor.

Date of Expiration

It is preferable to throw away smoked meat that has passed its expiration date.

The meat might not be safe to consume after the expiration date even though it seems and smells great.

Soft or Mushy Texture

Smoked meat that has gone rotten may have a squishy or mushy texture to it.

Another indication that germs have begun to develop on the surface of the meat is this, thus it is better to steer clear of it.

Extreme Dryness

While extreme dryness is a frequent feature of smoked meat, it can also mean that the meat has gone bad.

It might not be safe to eat the meat if it is too dry and crumbly.

Gas Production

The presence of gas bubbles on the surface or inside the packaging of the smoked meat indicates the presence of bacteria that have begun to develop there.

Another indication that the meat has gone bad is when the container begins to bulge due to gas generation.

Learn more about having bad-smelling gas after eating meat.

Stomach Ache after eating smoked meat

If you consume smoked meat that has gone bad, you may feel stomach pain, diarrhea, or vomiting, which are signs of food poisoning.

It’s advisable to visit a doctor if you experience any of these after eating smoked meat.

Factors that affect smoked meat spoilage

There are several factors that can affect the spoilage of smoked meat:

Storage temperature

Smoked meat deterioration is greatly influenced by temperature.

Storage of smoked meat over 40 °F (4 °C) can promote the growth of germs that can ruin food and lead to foodborne disease.

The moisture content of the smoked meat

The amount of moisture in smoked meat can also affect how long it lasts.

Meat that has been smoked is subjected to heat and smoke, both of which have the potential to induce moisture to evaporate, leaving the meat dry and less prone to deterioration.

But if the meat is kept in a damp environment or exposed to moisture, it can start to grow germs.

Presence of oxygen

Smoked meat can get spoiled as a result of oxygen.

Exposure to air can encourage the development of aerobic bacteria in meat, which can lead to deterioration.

Smoked meat that has been vacuum-sealed can aid in limiting the development of aerobic microorganisms.

The pH of the smoked meat

The smoked meat’s pH can also contribute to deterioration.

Meat that is acidic or has a low pH is less likely to deteriorate than meat that has a high pH.

Salt level

For smoked meat, salt is frequently added as a preservative.

It can aid in lowering moisture content, preventing bacterial development, and extending the meat’s shelf life.

The age of the smoked meat

Lastly, the smoked meat’s age might contribute to its deterioration.

Smoked meat that has been kept for a long time or that has beyond its expiration date is more prone to deteriorate and should not be ingested.

Learn more about how bad smoked meat can be for you.

How to Store Smoked Meat Properly

In order to keep smoked meat fresh and safe to consume, it must be stored properly.

The following advice is for keeping smoked meat:

Label and date: Always write the date you smoked the meat on the containers or bags, along with the kind of meat and any other pertinent information.

Refrigerate or freeze quickly: After being smoked, meat should be refrigerated or frozen as soon as feasible.

The best solution is to freeze it if you intend to keep it for a long period.

Use airtight packaging: Smoked meat should be kept in airtight packaging or plastic bags made exclusively for food storage.

This will lessen the likelihood of air entering and drying out the meat.

Store smoked meat at the proper temperature: Smoked meat should be kept in a freezer or refrigerator at a temperature of 0 °F (-18 °C) or below.

Use within a reasonable amount of time: Smoked meat may often be kept in the freezer for up to six months or in the refrigerator for up to five days.

To maintain its quality and safety, it is advisable to utilize it during this time period.

Reheat effectively: In order to make sure that smoked meat is safe to consume, it is crucial to reheat it at a temperature of 165 °F (74 °C) or higher.

Learn more about meat going bad in the freezer.

Dangers of eating a spoiled smoked meat

Eating spoiled smoked meat can be dangerous and can lead to food poisoning.

Some of the dangers of eating spoiled smoked meat include:

1. Botulism: The bacterium that causes botulism can infect smoked meat that has been incorrectly preserved or kept. If botulism is not treated right away, it can be fatal and result in muscular weakness, double vision, and breathing problems.
2. Food poisoning: The symptoms of food poisoning, which include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach discomfort, and fever, can be brought on by consuming rotten smoked meat. When food poisoning is severe, it can cause organ damage, dehydration, and even death.
3. Toxoplasmosis: If the smoked meat is from an animal that has been exposed to the Toxoplasma parasite, toxoplasmosis may manifest. This can result in flu-like symptoms and be harmful to expectant mothers since it can lead to birth abnormalities.

It’s critical to adhere to appropriate food handling procedures to prevent the risks associated with consuming rotten smoked meat.

This entails keeping the meat at the proper temperature while storing it, cooking it sufficiently, and eating it quickly enough to avoid food poisoning.

It is preferable to err on the side of caution and toss the meat if you have any reason to believe that it may be ruined.

Conclusion

It’s important to recognize the symptoms of rotting meat, whether you’re a skilled pitmaster or a novice to the barbecue scene, to prevent any unfavorable health effects.

Use your senses, follow your gut, and adopt excellent food safety practices like handling and storing food properly.

And when in doubt, discard it! When it comes to your health and the welfare of your loved ones, it is always better to be safe than sorry.

Now that the smoker is hot, go ahead and light it up, but remember to follow this advice to make sure that every mouthful of your delectable smoked meat is both safe and pleasant.

Enjoy your smoke!