Why Are Some Food Packages Bloated? The Surprising Difference Between a Normal Bag of Chips and a Potential Food Safety Warning.

can’t judge food safety simply by asking whether a package contains air.

The type of food, packaging method, storage temperature, expiration or use-by information, and condition of the package all matter.

When Bloated Packaging Can Be a Warning Sign:

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When Bloated Packaging Can Be a

Warning Sign

Now for the part worth remembering.

If a normally sealed package of perishable food suddenly becomes swollen, balloon-like, or unusually tight, don’t automatically assume it’s harmless.

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One possible cause is gas production by microorganisms.

Certain microorganisms can produce gases as they grow and metabolize components of food.