Bacon is beloved for its smoky, salty, umami flavor and satisfying crispy texture But like any food, it doesn’t last forever. So can bacon grow mold if left in the fridge too long?
The short answer is yes – bacon can definitely develop mold if it is not stored properly. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about bacon mold, including:
- What causes mold growth on bacon
- How to tell if your bacon is moldy
- Whether it’s safe to eat moldy bacon
- How to prevent and remove mold on bacon
- Proper bacon storage to avoid mold
Let’s dive in and find out what happens when bacon goes moldy!
What Causes Bacon to Mold?
There are a few key reasons why bacon can become moldy
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High moisture content – The high moisture content of fresh bacon makes it prone to mold growth. Mold needs moisture to thrive.
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Storage conditions – Bacon stored in dark, humid, or warm conditions may readily grow mold. Refrigeration helps slow mold.
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Air exposure – Once opened, bacon is exposed to airborne mold spores that can land on the surface and multiply.
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Bacteria – Bacteria on bacon can produce byproducts that feed mold growth.
How Can You Tell if Bacon is Moldy?
It’s important to inspect your bacon closely to check for signs of mold, such as:
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Visible mold – Green, black, white or blue fuzzy mold growing on the surface. This is a clear sign it’s gone bad.
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Slimy texture – Slime on the bacon indicates bacterial growth breaking down proteins.
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Discoloration – Grayish, brown, or greenish tinged bacon is a red flag for mold.
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Off odors – Rancid, sour or ammonia-like smells mean spoilage bacteria are present.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s best to throw the bacon out. Don’t risk eating moldy bacon.
Is It Safe to Eat Moldy Bacon?
No, you should not eat bacon with mold on it. Some molds produce mycotoxins that can cause illness. The high moisture content also means mold can spread deep into the bacon, even if visible mold is cut off. It’s better to be safe and discard moldy bacon.
How Can You Prevent Bacon From Molding?
Storing bacon properly is key to preventing mold growth. Here are some tips:
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Refrigerate below 40°F as soon as possible after opening.
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Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or bags, squeezing out excess air.
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Keep raw bacon separate from ready-to-eat foods.
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Freeze for longer storage – frozen bacon lasts 3-6 months.
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Check frequently for slimy spots or visible mold.
Following these guidelines minimizes air exposure and moisture, inhibiting mold growth.
What’s the Best Way to Remove Mold From Bacon?
If you catch mold growth early, you may be able to salvage the bacon. Here’s how to remove mold from bacon:
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Trim off any visibly moldy areas with a clean knife. Cut at least 1-2 inches around spots.
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Wash hands and knife thoroughly after trimming to avoid spreading spores.
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Rinse remaining bacon under cool water to remove spores. Pat very dry.
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Cook bacon right away, as mold can still be present even if not visible. The high heat will kill mold.
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If mold reappears after cooking, it’s best to discard the rest of the package.
However, extensive mold growth means the bacon should be thrown out entirely. Don’t take risks with moldy meat products. Prevention is key.
How Should You Store Bacon to Avoid Mold?
Proper storage is crucial to keeping your bacon fresh and mold-free. Here are some bacon storage tips:
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Keep refrigerated at 40°F or below, in the coldest section.
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Seal opened packages very tightly in plastic wrap or bags, squeezing out air.
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Put bacon in sealed containers if packaging isn’t airtight.
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Store raw bacon separately from cooked foods to prevent cross-contamination.
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Freeze for longer storage. Frozen bacon lasts 3-6 months.
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Check for slimy texture, discoloration, or mold regularly.
Following these guidelines creates an inhospitable environment for mold growth.
What To Do If You Find Moldy Bacon
If you discover your bacon has visible mold growth, don’t chance eating it. The USDA recommends always discarding moldy bacon products or cooked bacon leftovers. The risk of mycotoxin exposure is not worth taking.
When inspecting your bacon, look closely for any discoloration, slime, and white, blue, green or black fuzz. If you spot mold, place the bacon in a sealed bag and discard it. Make sure to wash any surfaces the bacon touched to prevent spread of spores.
Don’t attempt to salvage heavily moldy bacon. While light mold can potentially be trimmed off, heavy growth is too risky. Play it safe and throw it out. Prevention through proper refrigerated storage is the best way to avoid moldy bacon woes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bacon Mold
Here are answers to some common questions about moldy bacon:
Can you get food poisoning from eating moldy bacon?
Yes, it’s possible. Bacon mold can produce toxic mycotoxins that cause food poisoning symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and fever when ingested.
Is bacon safe to eat if you cook it after cutting mold off?
It’s risky. Mold can spread deep into the bacon, so cooking after trimming visible mold doesn’t guarantee safety. It’s better to discard bacon with heavy mold.
How can you tell if bacon grease has gone bad?
Rancid bacon grease will smell sour and unpleasant. It may be darker in color and have debris or bubbles. Discard grease with any odd appearance or smell.
Can you freeze bacon with mold on it to kill the mold?
No, freezing won’t kill mold or make bacon safe to eat. Discard any bacon with mold present, even if freezing. Mold can survive freezing temperatures.
What happens if you accidentally eat bacon with mold?
You may experience food poisoning symptoms like vomiting, stomach cramps, and diarrhea. Seek medical attention if symptoms are severe or last more than a day or two.
The Bottom Line
Like any food, bacon can eventually develop mold if left for too long in the fridge or improperly stored. The high moisture content makes bacon especially prone to spoilage mold. Formation of green, white, black or blue fuzzy mold confirms your bacon has gone bad and should be discarded. Don’t risk eating it, as mold can spread deep into the bacon and produce toxic byproducts. With proper refrigerated storage and regular checks, you can catch mold early and prevent wasting bacon. If you love bacon, knowing how to prevent, detect, and handle moldy bacon can save you from having to throw away this precious ingredient!