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

While some bloating can occur due to harmless gases used in packaging, it can also be a warning sign of bacterial activity inside the package. Pathogenic bacteria, such as E. coli or Salmonella, can produce gases as they multiply, causing the packaging to swell.
If you suspect bacterial growth due to bloating, especially if accompanied by off smells or discoloration, it’s crucial to discard the meat to avoid the risk of foodborne illness.

7. The Safe Choice: When You Should Toss The Meat
When in doubt, safety should always come first. If the meat exhibits multiple spoilage signs such as a foul odor, discoloration, or a slimy texture, it’s safest to discard it.
Consuming spoiled meat can lead to serious health issues, including food poisoning, so it’s not worth the risk to try and salvage potentially unsafe meat.