Expert: Chris Manley - 2/5/2009

Question
I have frozen marinated beef in its original package and the package has swelled up like a balloon.  Is this safe to cook and eat?

Answer
Is the package still frozen, or did it swell up when you thawed it?  A swelling package may indicate spoilage is occurring and organisms are causing the swelling, or a major change in altitude between the packaging location and your location.  

You may be able to tell by touch and smell, if the product has an off-odor and is slimy to the touch it may indicate advanced spoilage on the food.