How do you tell when cottage cheese is bad?

Visual and Smell Checks:

* Appearance: Cottage cheese should have a uniform, slightly creamy texture. If it looks watery, separated, or moldy, it's gone bad.

* Color: Look for a normal, pale-yellow color. If it's discolored or has unusual spots, it might be spoiled.

* Smell: Fresh cottage cheese has a mild, slightly tangy aroma. If it smells sour, rancid, or even just "off", toss it out.

Taste Test (Proceed with Caution):

* If you're unsure, take a very small amount and taste it. If it tastes sour, bitter, or otherwise unpleasant, it's definitely bad.

General Tips:

* Expiration Date: Always check the expiration date on the container. However, keep in mind that this is just a guideline; cottage cheese can still go bad before the expiration date.

* Refrigeration: Store cottage cheese in the refrigerator at 40°F or below.

* Opened Containers: Once opened, cottage cheese is best consumed within 3-5 days.

When in doubt, throw it out! Foodborne illness is not worth the risk.