How to Know If Ham Is Bad
If you're lucky, your ham will have a clear expiration date or use-by date printed on the packaging. If it's past that date, it's probably best to err on the side of caution and toss it - after all, it's better to be safe than sorry, right? But what if you've already torn off the packaging, or it didn't come with a date in the first place?
In that case, you'll need to rely on your senses - and your common sense. Take a close look at the ham - does it have any visible mold or slime on the surface? If so, it's definitely gone bad - imagine eating a fuzzy, green science experiment, and you'll know why that's a bad idea!
Next, give it a sniff - does it smell off or funny in any way? If it smells strongly of ammonia or sourness, that's a sign that bacteria are breaking it down. But if it just smells like, well, ham, you might be in the clear - after all, ham is supposed to have a pretty strong scent, right?
How to Tell If Ham Is Bad: Signs You Shouldn't Ignore