Is It Safe To Consume Ground Beef That Appears Gray?

Sometimes, when I buy ground beef from the store, I notice it looks a bit gray once I get it home and take it out to cook. This can be concerning since we’re used to seeing ground beef in a vibrant red color. However, gray meat isn’t always a sign that it’s spoiled. Here’s what you need to know before discarding that package of ground beef.

If the center of your ground beef looks gray, it usually isn’t a problem. The bright red color of fresh ground beef comes from a compound called oxymyoglobin, which appears when meat is exposed to oxygen. Gray color in the middle often just means that part of the meat hasn’t been exposed to air yet.

On the other hand, if the outside or most of the meat is gray or brown, it’s safer to throw it away. Additionally, if the meat has an unpleasant odor, it’s best to discard it, as this indicates it might be spoiled.

Being cautious about the freshness and quality of your meat is always a good practice. These guidelines should help you determine when your ground beef is still safe to use and when it should be discarded.