Pulled out some deli meat from fridge. My mother-in-law says it’s wasteful not to use it, but it looks bad to me. What should I do?

 

🥪 Pulled Out Some Deli Meat from the Fridge… It Looks Bad, But My Mother-in-Law Says It’s Wasteful to Toss It. What Should I Do?

We’ve all been there — cleaning out the fridge, only to find that pack of deli meat lingering in the back, unopened or half-used. It might be just past its date, or maybe it looks off. Then comes the guilt: tossing food feels wasteful, especially when someone (like your mother-in-law!) insists it’s still good.

So what do you do when your instincts say “toss it” but tradition says “don’t waste it”?

Let’s break it down — safely and sensibly.

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🧠 First Rule: Trust Your Senses (and Science)

When it comes to perishable foods like deli meats, sight, smell, and texture are your best allies.

✅ Signs Your Deli Meat is Still Okay:

• Smells fresh or only mildly meaty

• No change in color — still pink or its usual tone

• Texture is still smooth, not slimy or sticky

• No visible mold or odd growth

❌ Signs It’s Time to Toss:

• A sour, sulfur-like, or off smell

• Slimy or sticky surface

• Discoloration (greenish, gray, or iridescent sheen)

• Mold or dark spots

If any one of these warning signs shows up, it’s best to toss it — no matter what anyone says.

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🗓️ What About the Expiration Date?

Deli meat comes with:

• A “sell by” date (for stores)

• A “use by” or “best by” date (for consumers)

If it’s past the “use by” date and showing questionable signs, toss it. If it's only a day or two past, unopened, and still looks/smells normal, it might still be safe — but proceed with caution.

Once opened, most deli meats last 3–5 days in the fridge, even if the package says longer.

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🥄 But It Feels Wasteful to Throw It Out…

Your mother-in-law isn’t wrong — food waste is a big issue. But your health and safety are more important than saving a few slices of meat. Food poisoning from spoiled meat can lead to serious illness, and it’s simply not worth the risk.

Instead of holding onto questionable meat, use this as a learning moment:

💡 Prevent Future Waste:

• Buy smaller portions you’ll use in 3–5 days

• Freeze unused deli meat in small batches

• Label packages with the date they were opened

• Keep deli meat in the coldest part of the fridge (not the door)

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🧺 Final Verdict: When in Doubt, Throw It Out

No matter how frugal or resourceful someone is, the golden rule with questionable food still stands:

“When in doubt, throw it out.”

You’re not being wasteful — you’re being responsible. And if anyone questions it? Just say you're choosing safety first.