How can you tell when lunch meat is bad?

Visual Inspection:

* Color: Look for any unusual discoloration. Fresh lunch meat should have a consistent color. Mold is a definite sign of spoilage.

* Texture: Fresh lunch meat should be firm and springy. If it's slimy or sticky, it's gone bad.

* Packaging: If the packaging is bulging, leaking, or damaged, it's a sign the meat inside may not be safe.

Smell:

* Sour or rancid odor: A strong, unpleasant smell is a sure sign of spoilage.

Taste:

* Sour or bitter taste: Even a small taste of this indicates the meat is off.

Other Considerations:

* Storage: Lunch meat should be stored in the refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or below. Always check the "use by" date on the package.

* Freezing: While you can freeze lunch meat, it can affect its texture and quality. If you freeze it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and use it within a day or two.

Important:

* When in doubt, throw it out! It's better to be safe than sorry when it comes to food safety. Eating spoiled lunch meat can make you sick.

Remember:

These are general guidelines. Always refer to the "use by" date on the package. If you have any concerns about the safety of your lunch meat, it's best to err on the side of caution and throw it out.