TIPS FOR BACON FOOD SAFETY

PEOPLE

 

Is Your Bacon Safe to Eat? Here Are Tips for Storing the Food Safely, Plus 4 Signs It’s Time to Throw It Out

By Toria Sheffield  Published on February 22, 2025 07:00AM EST

 

Bacon is best enjoyed at its freshest, so knowing how to spot spoiled bacon — and storing it correctly — can prevent food waste and protect you from foodborne illnesses. If in doubt, it’s always better to toss it than risk eating something unsafe.

 

How Long Bacon Lasts in the Fridge

 

Before diving into the signs of spoilage, it’s important to know how long bacon typically lasts in different storage conditions. Raw, unopened bacon lasts about one to two week in the fridge past its sell-by date, while raw opened bacon typically can last up to a week, according to Allrecipes.com. Meanwhile, cooked bacon can last about four to five days when stored properly, according to the USDA.

 

And whether you’re dealing with raw or cooked bacon, there are a few clear signs that it’s time to toss it.

 

Smell

 

If your bacon has developed a sour, rancid or off-putting odor, it’s a strong indicator that it has spoiled. Fresh bacon should smell savory and smoky, but a foul or putrid smell means the fat has begun to break down and it's no longer safe to eat, according to AllRecipes.

 

Color

 

Fresh bacon is pink with white streaks of fat. As bacon spoils, it can start to change color. If your bacon turns brown, gray, green or has orange hues, it’s a sign that bacteria or mold may be growing, according to bacon manufacturer Coleman All Natural Meats.

 

Texture

 

Fresh bacon should have a firm, slightly greasy feel, and bacon that feels slimy or sticky to the touch is no longer safe to eat. The presence of a slimy coating indicates that bacteria has begun to grow and multiply, per AllRecipes.

 

Mold

 

As with all food, mold is not a good sign and can cause serious llness in humans, per the USDA. Mold on bacon typically appears as fuzzy spots in shades of green, blue or white. If you spot any mold, toss it!

 

How To Safely Store Bacon

 

If you’ve purchased bacon in a vacuum-sealed package and haven’t opened it yet, always leave it in the original packaging until you’re ready to use.

 

Meanwhile, raw, opened bacon should be stored in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap to prevent exposure to air, which can encourage the growth of bacteria. You can also freeze raw bacon for up to six months, according to Better Homes & Gardens. To prevent the strips from sticking together, freeze each strip individually in parchment paper and tightly wrap them in plastic wrap, per the outlet.

 

You should place cooked bacon in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag to help keep it fresh. If you’ve already cooked up a big batch, try to consume it within 4-5 days to ensure the best taste and optimal safety.

 

To freeze cooked bacon, Taste of Home recommends lining a pan with wax paper and placing the cooked strips on top of the paper. Layer with more paper and more strips as needed. Freeze overnight or for a minimum of two hours, then transfer the strips into an airtight container and store for up to six months.