I just bought this pack of ground beef from the store yesterday and put it in the fridge. I went to cook dinner and noticed the plastic film is puffed up like a balloon, but the date is still good. Wh

One of the most reliable indicators of spoilage is the smell. Open the package and take a cautious sniff. Fresh ground beef should have a mild, meaty odor, but if you detect a sour, rancid, or ammonia-like smell, it’s a clear sign that the meat has gone bad.
Your sense of smell is a powerful tool when it comes to food safety, and if something smells off, it’s better to err on the side of caution and discard the meat.

5. Understanding Sell-By Dates Versus Real Freshness