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?

Sure! Here’s a helpful and empathetic article addressing the situation with deli meat and avoiding waste:

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## Pulled Out Some Deli Meat From the Fridge — My Mother-in-Law Says It’s Wasteful Not to Use It, But It Looks Bad to Me. What Should I Do?

We’ve all been there: you open the fridge and spot that pack of deli meat that’s been sitting a bit too long. Maybe it looks a little off — a little slimy or discolored — and you hesitate. But then comes the family voice reminding you: **“Don’t waste food!”**

Your mother-in-law’s advice to use every last bit of food is coming from a good place, wanting to avoid waste and save money. But your instinct tells you that the deli meat might not be safe to eat. So how do you balance the two? Here’s what to consider.

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### 🍖 When Is Deli Meat Still Safe to Eat?

Deli meats are convenient and tasty, but they’re also **perishable** and can spoil quickly if not handled right. Here are some signs to check:

* **Smell:** Does it have a sour or off odor? If yes, toss it.
* **Appearance:** Look for discoloration (greenish or grayish hues) or slimy texture. These are red flags.
* **Expiration Date:** Always check the “use by” or “sell by” date on the package.
* **Storage Time:** Opened deli meat usually lasts about 3–5 days in the fridge. If it’s beyond that, it’s safer to discard.

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### 🛑 Don’t Risk Food Poisoning

While it’s important to reduce food waste, **health always comes first**. Eating spoiled deli meat can cause foodborne illnesses, leading to upset stomach, nausea, or worse. If you’re in doubt, it’s better to be safe and throw it out.

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