You’ve probably come across food packages that look puffed up like balloons.

While some air is expected in certain products, excessive bloating is not something to ignore.

Understanding why this happens can help you avoid potential food safety hazards.

What Causes Packaging to Swell?

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Most of the time, food packaging contains a controlled amount of air to protect the contents. For instance, potato chip bags use extra air to cushion the chips.

However, when packaging swells beyond its normal appearance, it can be a red flag.

Professor Wei Zhang, a food safety expert, explains that such bloating often occurs when microorganisms inside the package produce gases like carbon dioxide.

Bloating Due to Spoilage

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When bacteria or other microorganisms grow in perishable foods, they release gases, causing the packaging to puff up.

This process, known as spoilage, not only ruins the food but could also pose health risks.

Meredith Carothers from the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service warns that bloated packaging often indicates spoilage and potentially dangerous bacterial growth.

Not All Bloating Is Dangerous

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Interestingly, not every swollen package signals a problem. Some products use Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP), where inert gases are added to prolong shelf life.

This method may cause slight bloating in items like meats, cheeses, or salad mixes.

Carothers notes that MAP is a safe and approved method for extending product freshness.

Foods Most Prone to Bloating

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Perishable items like raw meat, poultry, and seafood are more susceptible to harmful bloating due to bacterial activity.

In contrast, low-moisture foods such as dried fruits or peanut butter rarely experience this issue.

Moist environments within the packaging provide an ideal breeding ground for bacteria, leading to the gas buildup that causes swelling.

How to Stay Safe

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Avoid purchasing bloated packages, even if the product is within its expiration date.

Zhang advises discarding any swollen packages, especially if they appear abnormal or are past their “use-by” date.

It’s better to be cautious than risk foodborne illness.

The Smell Test

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You might think that giving the food a sniff could help determine its safety.

However, Carothers cautions that relying solely on odor can be misleading.

Some spoilage bacteria don’t produce noticeable smells, meaning a seemingly fine product could still harbor harmful bacteria.

Proper Storage Practices

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To minimize risks, always store food according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.

Keep perishable items refrigerated and avoid exposing them to excessive heat or direct sunlight.

Proper storage can help prevent the growth of microorganisms that lead to bloating and spoilage.

The Bottom Line

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If you encounter bloated food packaging, check the product’s expiration date and look for any signs of spoilage, such as an unusual odor or damaged seal.

When in doubt, it’s safest to discard the item. As Carothers emphasizes, “It’s not worth risking your health over a questionable package”.