Ground beef should generally be kept at 40°F, or 4°C, or below. Once refrigerated, it is typically best used within one to two days, unless it is frozen for longer storage.

That is why the question is not just, Is the date still good? It is also, Does the package look normal, and has the meat been handled safely?

What Readers Should Know

If the plastic has puffed up like a balloon and you cannot confirm that the package is designed to look that way, the safest move is not to eat the meat. Return it to the store for a refund if possible, or discard it.

Do not taste raw or questionable meat to test whether it is safe. Smell and appearance are also not reliable enough to clear suspicious ground beef for cooking.

If you plan to return it, keep it refrigerated and follow the store’s guidance for handling the product. It is also better not to open the package just to investigate the swelling.

Throwing away food is frustrating, especially with grocery prices still weighing on household budgets. But with ground beef, saving a few dollars is not worth the risk of foodborne illness.

When meat packaging changes unexpectedly, caution is the smarter choice—and the dinner plan can wait for a safer option.