What will happen if I eat old deli meat?

Consuming old or expired deli meat can lead to foodborne illnesses, causing various health problems. Here's what may happen if you eat old deli meat:

1. Food Poisoning: Old deli meat can harbor harmful bacteria, such as Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella, Escherichia coli (E. coli), or Clostridium perfringens. These bacteria can cause food poisoning, leading to symptoms like nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, fever, and chills. In severe cases, food poisoning may require medical treatment.

2. Stomach Issues: Eating old deli meat can irritate the digestive tract, causing stomach discomfort, indigestion, gas, or constipation. The presence of bacteria can disrupt the normal balance of gut microbiota, leading to digestive problems.

3. Listeriosis: Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium commonly found in deli meats. It can cause a severe infection called listeriosis, which is especially dangerous for vulnerable individuals, such as pregnant women, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. Listeriosis can lead to serious complications, including meningitis, encephalitis, miscarriages, and stillbirths.

4. Salmonella Infection: Salmonella bacteria can cause salmonellosis, a foodborne illness that often results in symptoms such as diarrhea, fever, abdominal cramps, and dehydration. In severe cases, Salmonella infection can lead to hospitalization.

5. E. coli Infection: Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria can cause a range of illnesses, including urinary tract infections, traveler's diarrhea, and food poisoning. Some strains of E. coli, such as E. coli O157:H7, can cause serious complications like bloody diarrhea, kidney failure, and hemolytic uremic syndrome.

6. Norovirus: Deli meats can also be contaminated with norovirus, a highly contagious virus that causes gastroenteritis. Norovirus infection results in symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, abdominal cramps, and fever.

7. Spoilage and Unpleasant Taste: Old deli meat undergoes spoilage, leading to changes in texture, flavor, and smell. Consuming spoiled deli meat can result in an unpleasant taste and can increase the risk of foodborne illness.

8. Long-Term Health Effects: Regular consumption of processed meats, including deli meats, has been associated with an increased risk of chronic conditions like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, certain types of cancer (such as colorectal cancer), and obesity.

To ensure food safety, it's crucial to follow proper food handling and storage practices, including consuming deli meats within their expiration dates and refrigerating or freezing them appropriately. If you suspect that a deli meat is old or spoiled, discard it to avoid potential health risks.