Can you still eat pork that has gone bad after being left out all afternoon in summer?
Oct 13, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Wang Lei
Introduction
If pork becomes smelly after being left out for an afternoon in summer, it usually indicates spoilage and the meat is no longer safe to eat. It is recommended to store pork in the freezer during summer, using low temperatures to prevent bacterial growth and extend its shelf life. Once a foul odor is detected, the pork should be discarded promptly to avoid consumption. Patients with impaired kidney function should avoid eating pork.
In general, if pork develops a foul odor after being left out for an afternoon in summer, it usually indicates the meat has spoiled and is no longer safe to eat.
Summer weather is extremely hot and often accompanied by large numbers of flies, which easily cause food spoilage. Fresh meats such as pork are particularly prone to attracting flies that may lay eggs on the surface, leading to rapid bacterial growth and subsequent spoilage with a noticeable bad smell. At this point, the pork should not be consumed. Eating spoiled pork allows large amounts of bacteria to enter the body, potentially harming the gastrointestinal tract and causing symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and bloating. In severe cases, it may damage the gastrointestinal mucosa, leading to conditions like gastric ulcers, duodenal ulcers, or gastroenteritis.
To store pork during summer, it's recommended to place it in the freezer compartment of the refrigerator. Low temperatures help inhibit bacterial growth and extend the shelf life of the meat. Once any unpleasant odor is detected, the pork should be discarded immediately to prevent consumption. Additionally, individuals with impaired kidney function should avoid eating pork to prevent increasing the burden on their kidneys.
