Beef broth is a nutritious and comforting food that can be used in everything from soups to stews. However, like any perishable food, beef broth can go bad if not stored properly. Eating spoiled beef broth can cause some really unpleasant symptoms.
In this article we’ll cover what can happen if you eat bad beef broth, how to tell if your broth has gone bad what foodborne illnesses it may contain, who is most at risk, and how to prevent consuming rancid broth in the first place.
After reading, you’ll understand the risks and know how to safely handle beef broth for maximum freshness and food safety. Let’s get started!
What Happens if You Eat Bad Beef Broth?
Consuming beef broth past its prime can cause foodborne illness. with symptoms like
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
- Abdominal pain and cramps
- Fever, chills, muscle aches
- Fatigue, weakness
- Dehydration
Food poisoning from spoiled beef broth can last a few hours up to a week depending on the type and amount of bacteria consumed, Those in high risk groups may require hospitalization
While home-cooked beef broth has a shorter shelf life, even commercial broth and bone broth can harbor dangerous bacteria if stored incorrectly or kept past expiration. Don’t take risks with spoiled broth!
How Can You Tell if Beef Broth Has Gone Bad?
Watch for these signs that your beef broth has spoiled:
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Change in color: Unpleasant gray, green, or yellow tint
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Slimy texture: Instead of being glossy and viscous
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Strange smell: Sour, rotten, rancid odors
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Mold: Fuzzy growth floating on surface or clinging to container
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Expired date: Homemade broth keeps 3-4 days, commercial broth 1-2 weeks past sell-by date
When in doubt, remember the old adage “When in doubt, throw it out!” Don’t taste test questionable broth. Prevention is key to avoid foodborne illness.
Bacteria and Viruses Causing Food Poisoning
Beef broth can easily become contaminated with dangerous microbes. Here are some of the most common causes of food poisoning from spoiled beef broth:
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Salmonella: Leading cause of broth poisoning with severe vomiting, fever, diarrhea
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Clostridium perfringens: Causes abdominal cramps and diarrhea
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Staphylococcus aureus: Results in violent vomiting and diarrhea
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Bacillus cereus: Known for intense nausea and vomiting
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E. coli: Bloody diarrhea, severe stomach cramps are common
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Campylobacter: Diarrhea, fever, cramping, nausea
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Listeria: Hits pregnant women, elderly, and immune compromised hardest
These nasty pathogens can quickly multiply in nutrient-rich broth left unrefrigerated or allowed to remain at unsafe temperatures for too long. Proper handling and storage is crucial.
Who is Most at Risk from Spoiled Broth?
While anyone can get sick from eating rancid beef broth, certain groups are more likely to become severely ill from foodborne pathogens. Higher risk individuals include:
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Pregnant women
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Young children
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Elderly adults
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Those with compromised immune systems
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People with chronic diseases like diabetes or kidney disease
These groups are more susceptible to dehydration, sepsis, meningitis and other dangerous complications. They should take extra care to ONLY consume beef broth that is freshly prepared and properly stored.
Can Eating Spoiled Broth Be Fatal?
Food poisoning is rarely fatal, but some higher risk individuals may experience life-threatening symptoms and require hospitalization. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Difficulty breathing
- Blood in vomit or stool
- Signs of dehydration like dizziness, excessive thirst, dry mouth
- High fever over 101°F
- Diarrhea lasting more than 3 days
Listen to your body. While most food poisoning runs its course in 24-48 hours, contact your doctor if your symptoms are severe or excessively prolonged. Don’t try to tough it out!
How to Prevent Food Poisoning from Beef Broth
You can keep your broth safe and fresh by following proper storage guidelines:
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Refrigerate broth within 2 hours of cooking
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Freeze for long term storage up to 4 months
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Thaw frozen broth safely in fridge, not room temp
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Bring broth to a rolling boil before consuming if reheating
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Discard leftovers after 3-4 days in fridge
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Don’t leave broth sitting out during cooking
Following basic food safety principles will minimize the risk of spoiled broth. Take special care when reheating broth and serving to those in high risk groups.
What If You Accidentally Eat Spoiled Broth?
First, don’t panic! The chances of severe illness are low. Drink plenty of fluids and watch for food poisoning symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
Call your doctor if symptoms are extreme or last more than 2 days. Bloody stool, high fever, dizziness and inability to keep fluids down are signs you need medical intervention.
Most mild cases can be managed at home with rest, hydration, probiotics and over-the-counter anti-nausea medication. Let your body fight off the infection and expel the toxins. Don’t eat more contaminated broth!
Watch for signs of spoilage like off-smells, slime, and mold. Toss broth past its prime and when in doubt. Follow all food safety guidelines when cooking, storing and reheating to avoid foodborne illness.
While most cases cause 24-48 hours of misery, bad broth can be dangerous for those in high-risk groups. If you accidentally ingest spoiled broth, stay hydrated and monitor for severe red-flag symptoms.
The bottom line? Don’t take chances with questionable broth. A few hours of food poisoning agony just isn’t worth the risk. Keep that broth fresh and simmering safely!
Is Bone Broth Good For You? – Dr.Berg’s Opinion
FAQ
What happens if you eat expired beef broth?
What happens if you eat expired broth?
How to tell if broth is bad?
Does beef broth taste bad?
Can beef broth go bad?
Yes, sealed beef broth can go bad. How long it should be kept before it may start to spoil is indicated by the best before date printed on the package. The typical shelf life of beef broth, kept at room temperature and unopened, is one year. It typically keeps for up to five days in the refrigerator after being opened.
Does drinking bone broth affect blood pressure?
There is no definitive answer to this question as the research is conflicting. Some studies suggest that bone broth may help to lower blood pressure while other studies suggest that it has no effect. If you like drinking bone broth, there is no harm in trying it to see if it has any effect on your blood pressure. However, you should speak with your doctor first if you have any concerns.
Can beef broth make you sick?
Yes, beef broth that has passed its expiration date can make you sick. Because of this, it is best to avoid taking a chance with canned or boxed broth. It is best to throw away the broth if the expiration date on the packaging is more than a week past due.
How do you know if beef broth is bad?
A sour smell, discoloration, and mould are the main signs your beef broth has gone bad. You can store it in the cupboard, fridge, or freezer. Unopened store bought broth will last the longest in the cupboard. Whereas to keep homemade broth as fresh as possible, you should be keep it in the fridge or the freezer.