Bacon is a beloved breakfast staple that many of us can’t imagine starting our day without.
But what happens when you open the package and notice some unsightly mold growing on the surface?
Is it safe to eat or should you toss it out?
In this article, we’ll explore the question of whether bacon can mold and what you should do if you find mold on your bacon.
So, grab a cup of coffee and let’s dive in!
Can Bacon Mold?
Yes, bacon can definitely mold. In fact, many bacteria, yeasts, and fungi are invisible to the naked eye, but some fungi can form on the surface of bacon. If you notice any type of mold or growth on the product, your bacon has definitely gone bad.
While you may be tempted to cut off the moldy spot and cook up the rest of the bacon, this isn’t recommended. If there’s anything growing visibly, there’s a good chance that fungi may exist throughout the bacon, even if you can’t see it.
Throw it out. Bacon has a high moisture content, and mold, if present, is likely to have spread beyond view. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), bacon—and other raw meats—need to be refrigerated or held at a temperature of 40°F or lower. You should also keep meat products separated in your refrigerator from ready-to-eat foods and dairy products.
What Causes Mold On Bacon?
Mold can grow on bacon due to a variety of factors. Bacon has a high moisture content, which makes it a prime target for mold growth. Additionally, the cold, dark, and wet conditions in which bacon is often stored can also contribute to mold growth.
Furthermore, bacteria, yeasts, and fungi are naturally present in the environment and can easily contaminate bacon during processing or storage. If the bacon is not properly handled or stored, these microorganisms can multiply and form visible mold on the surface of the bacon.
It’s important to note that mold growth on bacon is not always visible to the naked eye. Even if you don’t see any mold on your bacon, it’s still possible that mold may be present throughout the product. This is why it’s important to properly store and handle bacon to prevent any potential mold growth.
Is Mold On Bacon Safe To Eat?
Mold on bacon is not safe to eat. While some molds are used in the production of certain foods like salami and ham, mold on bacon is a sign that the product has gone bad. The high moisture content of bacon makes it an ideal breeding ground for bacteria, yeasts, and fungi, and mold can easily spread beyond what is visible to the naked eye.
Even if you are tempted to cut off the moldy spot and cook up the rest of the bacon, this is not recommended. The presence of visible mold indicates that there is a good chance that fungi may exist throughout the bacon, even if you can’t see it. Mold on any meat product is bad news because of the moisture content, and the contamination may well have spread below the surface.
If your bacon has turned brown or gray with a tinge of green or blue, it has already spoiled. Too much exposure to air causes a chemical reaction in the meat that leads to a change in color. Your bacon is still safe if it still has its natural pink color with the fat being white or yellow.
How To Prevent Bacon From Getting Moldy
Preventing bacon from getting moldy is crucial to ensure that it remains safe for consumption. Here are some tips to follow:
1. Refrigerate: Raw bacon needs to be refrigerated at a temperature of 40°F or lower. Make sure to store it in the coldest part of your refrigerator, such as the meat drawer.
2. Keep it separate: It’s important to keep bacon separated from other foods, especially ready-to-eat foods and dairy products. This will prevent any cross-contamination and reduce the risk of bacterial growth.
3. Freeze it: If you’re not planning on using the bacon right away, freeze it. Frozen bacon can last up to six months without getting moldy.
4. Check it frequently: Cured and smoked meats, like bacon, will develop mold over time. Check your bacon frequently and wipe off any visible mold with a damp cloth.
5. Trim it carefully: If you do find mold on your bacon, it’s best to throw it out. However, if you want to salvage some of it, trim away the moldy parts carefully. Remember that mold can spread beyond what’s visible, so be cautious.
By following these tips, you can prevent your bacon from getting moldy and ensure that it stays safe for consumption.
How To Store Bacon To Avoid Mold
To avoid mold growth on your bacon, it’s important to store it properly. The first step is to make sure that your bacon is as airtight as possible. If you purchase pre-packaged bacon, it’s best to put it into a separate container before storing in the refrigerator. For extra precaution, it’s also recommended to wrap the top of the container or plastic bag with aluminum foil to help make the container airtight.
If you have not opened the bacon, then you can feel free to place it in the freezer. Once you have opened the package, however, you will have to take extra steps to ensure it remains in top condition. Roll out a sheet of wax paper, place one slice of bacon along the shorter edge, fold the paper over and repeat with the remaining slices. Once this is done, place your bacon in a Ziploc bag and pop into the freezer. It will keep nicely this way for around two months.
To store bacon grease, first get rid of any small bits of bacon that are left behind. Then, place a coffee filter over the mouth of a glass container or a container made for bacon drippings. Press the filter down so that it fits snugly inside the mouth of the jar. Slowly pour the warm bacon grease into the jar—don’t rush this step. The coffee filter will trap whatever is left behind in the grease, leaving it nice and clear. Removing the bacon bits will also help prevent the grease from going rancid.
Store your container in the fridge where it will last for three months, or in the freezer where it will last indefinitely. Storing the grease in the fridge is best for easy access to soft fat whenever you want it.
It’s important to note that bacon should be used within 5 days of purchase to ensure the highest quality and taste. If you want to save bacon for a longer period of time, freezing is also an option. To freeze bacon, wrap the desired amount of bacon tightly in either aluminum foil or plastic wrap, and then place it in a freezer-safe container or storage bag before refrigerating.
What To Do If You Find Mold On Your Bacon
If you find mold on your bacon, the best thing to do is to throw it out. Bacteria may be growing alongside the mold, and the high moisture content of bacon means that the mold is likely to have spread beyond what you can see. It’s not recommended to cut off the moldy spot and cook up the rest of the bacon, as there’s a good chance that fungi may exist throughout the bacon.
To prevent mold growth on bacon and other raw meats, it’s important to refrigerate them or hold them at a temperature of 40°F or lower. Additionally, make sure to keep meat products separated in your refrigerator from ready-to-eat foods and dairy products.
If you’re concerned about whether or not your bacon is safe to eat, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and throw it out. While some molds are harmless, others can produce toxic decomposition products that can make you sick. If you’re unsure about whether or not your bacon is safe to eat, it’s always a good idea to ask your vendor for advice.
