How to tell if sausage package swollen or just taut
I bought raw sausages packaged in a meat tray with plastic wrap. The wrapping was taut so that it almost looked like there was extra air in the package. How does one know if this means a swollen package or just wrapped too tightly? It's a grey area but a swollen package worries me. They smell fine and are cooking and within three days of the expiry date and weren't left out of the fridge other than shopping.
Best Answer
If you can tell us, "They smell fine" then you have since opened the package. It is not uncommon for air to be trapped in those plastic wrap trays. Since we can't see or smell it the only way to answer your question is: "Is $4.00 worth of sausage worth a few extra trips to the bathroom?" If it smells 'ok' then it is unlikely to be 'dangerous' ... but only you can make that call.
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Why is my sausage package inflated?
Perishable foods like cheese and sausage are often packaged with little or no air to prevent microorganism growth. Some foods, like potato chips, are packaged in a pouch with extra air to preserve the texture and prevent damage. That's normal.How can you tell if raw sausage is bad?
First, if your pork sausage has gone bad, you can tell by the sausage's smell, look, and texture. If it has a putrid odor, a slimy coat, or a uniform color, then you shouldn't eat it.How long is packaged sausage good for in the fridge?
Bacon and sausageProductRefrigerator (40 F)Freezer (0 F)Sausage, raw - from pork, beef, turkey1-2 days1-2 monthsSmoked breakfast links, patties7 days1-2 monthsHard sausageOpened: 3 weeks. Unopened: indefinitely1-2 monthsSummer sausage labeled "keep refrigerated"Opened: 3 weeks. Unopened: 3 months1-2 months1 more rowHow do you know when sausages are done?
To determine whether it's done, you can measure the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. Sausages should reach 155\u2013165\xb0F (68\u201374\xb0C). Alternatively, boiling them before cooking in a pan or on a grill can ensure that they're thoroughly cooked and remain moist.Davo's Tips #1 - How to tell a sausage is cooked!
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