I just bought this pack of ground beef from the store yesterday and put it in the fridge. I went to cook dinner and noticed the plastic film is puffed up like a balloon, but the date is still good. Wh

the meat. These gases can build up inside the packaging, causing it to expand.

However, not all bloating is due to spoilage. Modified atmosphere packaging is often used to extend the shelf life of meat by replacing oxygen with gases like carbon dioxide or nitrogen. This can sometimes cause the packaging to appear puffed up, even when the meat is still fresh.

After assessing the packaging, it’s time to visually inspect the meat itself. Look for any discoloration, such as brown or grey patches, which can indicate that the meat is beginning to spoil.

Fresh ground beef should have a bright red color, although some browning can occur naturally with time due to exposure to air. Also, examine the texture through the packaging—if the meat looks slimy or sticky, it may no longer be safe to eat.