Discovered these in my spaghetti. The sauce was canned. What could they be?

Tiny pieces of ground beef or sausage sometimes clump and harden slightly — nothing to worry about if you bought meat sauce.

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## 🤨 But Sometimes, It’s Not So Innocent…

There are rare occasions when your sauce might contain something that *shouldn’t* be there — due to **manufacturing issues, storage problems, or contamination**.

### Potential (and concerning) discoveries:

#### 1. **Mold or Fermentation**

If you see bubbles, a fizzy texture, or a sour smell, the sauce may have **fermented** — especially if the jar seal was broken.

#### 2. **Foreign Objects**

Occasionally, reports emerge of **plastic, rubber, or metal shavings** found in processed foods. While rare, it’s worth examining anything hard or non-food-textured.

#### 3. **Insect Fragments**

FDA regulations *do* allow tiny, unavoidable bits of insect matter in many processed foods (gross, but true). However, finding something recognizable should be reported.

#### 4. **Spoiled or Expired Sauce**

If the taste is off, or you see discoloration, the sauce may have **gone bad** — even if it came from a sealed jar.

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## 🧪 So, What Should You Do?

### ✅ If It Looks Edible But Suspicious:

* Take a photo of the mystery item.
* Compare it to ingredient descriptions on the label.
* Search online forums or the brand’s FAQ — you’re probably not the first to notice it.

### ⚠️ If It Looks Foreign, Moldy, or Unsafe:

* **Stop eating immediately.**
* Save the packaging, lid, and receipt if possible.
* Contact the brand’s customer service (they often respond quickly and may issue refunds or request samples).
* Report serious issues to the **FDA’s MedWatch program** if you’re in the U.S.

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## 🛑 Pro Tip: Always Check the Seal and Expiry Date

Before opening any canned or jarred food:

* Press the lid to ensure the seal isn’t broken.
* Look for bulging, rust, or leaks — signs of spoilage.
* Smell the sauce after opening. Anything sour or “off” is a red flag.

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## Final Thoughts: Mystery Solved — Or At Least, Investigated 🕵️‍♂️

Finding something odd in your spaghetti is never fun — especially when dinner was supposed to be easy. But most of the time, it’s something benign (if a little weird-looking). Still, it’s always smart to trust your instincts. **If it doesn’t look right, don’t eat it.**

And next time you whip up a quick pasta night? Maybe give that sauce a stir and a peek **before** pouring it on your plate. 😉

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Would you like help identifying a photo of what you found? You can upload an image and I’ll take a look!