Can pork still be eaten if it tastes good

If pork has a slight odor but has not spoiled, it can usually be consumed after high-temperature cooking; If there is a noticeable odor or accompanied by decay characteristics such as mucus and discoloration, it is not edible. Pork spoilage may be caused by improper storage, bacterial growth, etc. It is recommended to make a comprehensive judgment by observing the appearance, odor, and texture. When pork has a strange odor, the first thing to distinguish is whether it is a natural fishy smell or a spoiled one. Fresh pork itself has a slight fishy smell, especially when not fully bled. This smell can be removed by soaking, blanching, or adding seasonings such as ginger, scallions, cooking wine, etc. If pork is refrigerated for more than three days or stored improperly during freezing, it may breed psychrophilic bacteria on the surface and produce a rancid taste. At this time, the meat has not yet rotted and can still be consumed after thorough heating. However, it should be noted that some bacterial toxins are heat-resistant and may cause gastrointestinal discomfort. When pork emits a pungent and putrid odor, has a sticky surface, or turns green and gray in color, it indicates that the protein and fat have been severely decomposed and contain a large amount of pathogenic bacteria such as Salmonella and Staphylococcus aureus. This type of spoiled meat may still retain toxins even when boiled, which can easily lead to food poisoning and symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea after consumption. Pregnant women, children, and those with low immunity are at higher risk and should be discarded immediately. Pork that has been frozen for too long may produce a halal flavor due to fat oxidation. Although it does not directly harm health, its nutritional value and taste are significantly reduced.

Daily purchases of pork should choose fresh products with bright red color, good elasticity, and no odor. They should be refrigerated for no more than two days, and frozen should be sealed to avoid repeated thawing. Thoroughly clean and heat treat before cooking, and discard any abnormalities promptly. If you experience discomfort after ingesting spoiled pork, you can drink moderate amounts of water to promote metabolism. In severe cases, seek medical attention. Reasonable storage and scientific identification are key to preventing food safety issues, and it is recommended that households purchase according to their needs to avoid waste.