How to tell if raw mince is safe to eat
Colour
The outer surface of fresh raw beef, lamb and pork mince is bright red or pink due to the oxygen added during packaging. The interior may be grey or brown, which is fine because it hasn’t been exposed to oxygen. However, fresh raw mince that is brown on the outside indicates that it is beginning to spoil and should be thrown away. Freezing raw mince can alter its colour making it brown and this is also quite normal. If there are no other signs of spoilage it should still be safe to eat.
Smell
Fresh raw mince has a neutral smell, however if your mince has a pungent, putrid smell this indicates bacterial spoilage and isn’t safe to eat.
Texture
Fresh mince is moist and firm to the touch and easy to break apart. If your mince has a slimy, sticky texture this indicates that it is bad and is not safe to eat.
Use by date
Mince should not be consumed past its use by date (unless it has been frozen when it can safely be consumed within 3 months of this date). You should always adhere to the storage guidelines and consume meat within the recommended time frame.
How to tell if cooked mince is safe to eat
It’s much more difficult to tell if cooked mince is safe to eat. The most reliable measure is to ensure you have stored it safely and consumed it within the use by date and 3 days after cooking it.
Colour
Cooked mince can vary in colour depending on the type of meat. An unusual grey colour can suggest it has spoiled and should be thrown away.
Smell
Cooked mince should have a pleasant cooked meat aroma. Any sour or foul smell indicates it is not safe to eat.
Texture
Cooked mince should retain its texture for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Mince that has any visible signs of mould needs to be thrown out. Cooked mince that has been frozen may have signs of freezer burn - or ice formation. Whilst this is still safe to eat, the texture and flavour will be significantly compromised.