How to Detect Spoiled Lamb Meat

The risks associated with eating spoiled meat make it exceedingly important to ensure the meat is safe before you prepare it. Lamb is a red meat that typically ranges from light to dark pink color (depending upon the age of the lamb). Examine your lamb meat carefully to detect spoilage. Lamb meat that has a bad odor or discolorations may contain dangerous bacteria that could lead to illness if you eat it.

Instructions

1. Look at the expiration date on the package of the lamb. While the expiration date is not conclusive evidence of freshness, it will help you determine whether the lamb meat is within the freshness period. If it is, and if the meat has been properly refrigerated and stored at all times, it should, in theory, be safe to eat.

2. Examine the color of the lamb meat in adequate natural light (not store lights or florescent lights). The meat should be pinkish (light or dark) without any gray or tan colors. Gray and tan colors indicate bacteria on the meat.

3. Smell the lamb meat. Bacteria have odors, and these odors become stronger over time. If the meat smells like ammonia or sulfur, this indicates significant bacteria is present.

4. Touch the lamb meat. If it feels slimy or sticky, this indicates there's bacteria--and meat spoilage.

5. Ask meat employees about the lamb meat before purchase, if possible. Inquire when it was cut or unpacked to determine how old it is.

References

• Purdue University Animal Sciences: Meat Quality and Safety