Does Oscar Mayer Fully Cooked Bacon Need Refrigeration?

Oscar Mayer fully cooked bacon has become a popular convenience food item that many people grab for a quick and easy breakfast or snack. Its packaging states that it is fully cooked and ready to eat which leads some people to wonder – does it really need refrigeration or can you store it at room temperature? This article will take an in-depth look at how to properly store Oscar Mayer fully cooked bacon to maintain safety and quality.

An Overview of Oscar Mayer Fully Cooked Bacon

Oscar Mayer fully cooked bacon comes pre-cooked and ready to heat and eat. It is available in a few different varieties including original and lower sodium. The bacon is cured smoked and cooked before being packaged into a resealable plastic container. Popular sizes include 9-11 slices per 2.5 ounce package.

According to the product details, the fully cooked bacon can be stored refrigerated or unrefrigerated. It also provides microwave and stovetop heating instructions for enjoying the bacon. The packaging states it can be stored for up to 14 days after opening when refrigerated.

Does Fully Cooked Bacon Ever Need Refrigeration?

While the packaging states it can be stored without refrigeration, many people still prefer to refrigerate fully cooked bacon. This is because all bacon is a perishable food product and refrigeration helps slow bacterial growth and maintain quality for a longer shelf life.

So while fully cooked bacon may technically be safe at room temperature for a brief period before opening, refrigeration is still the best way to maximize shelf life once opened. It is especially important for those with compromised immune systems to refrigerate fully cooked meats after opening.

Below is a more in-depth look at how refrigeration affects the safety and quality of fully cooked bacon:

Food Safety

Refrigerating fully cooked bacon, even when the packaging states it is not required, is the safest option in terms of food safety. The cooking process kills any potential bacteria, but refrigeration prevents new bacteria from growing once opened.

Bacteria multiply rapidly between 40°F and 140°F. Storing an opened package in this temperature range for too long could allow bacteria like salmonella or E. coli to grow to unsafe levels. While the preservatives help slow this growth, refrigeration remains the best way to control bacteria.

Quality and Shelf Life

Refrigeration also helps fully cooked bacon maintain quality and optimal texture for a longer shelf life. Cold temperatures significantly slow the natural processes that cause bacon to go rancid or develop an off taste or smell.

And while the packaging states a 14 day refrigerated shelf life after opening, you can likely safely store it 3-4 weeks if continuously refrigerated before quality starts to decline.

So if wanting the bacon to retain good flavor, texture and appearance for as long as possible after opening, refrigerate the package.

Proper Refrigerated Storage of Fully Cooked Bacon

If you choose to refrigerate fully cooked Oscar Mayer bacon, here are some tips for maximizing safety and quality:

• Refrigerate promptly after returning from the store. Do not leave sitting out for more than 2 hours at room temperature.
• Keep Oscar Mayer fully cooked bacon stored on a shelf in the main refrigerator compartment. Do not store in door shelves which experience more temperature fluctuations.
• Make sure your refrigerator is maintaining a temperature of 40°F or below. Use a thermometer to verify the accuracy of the temperature.
• Keep the bacon in its original packaging until ready to use. The resealable plastic tray helps contain odors and prevents the bacon from drying out.
• Once opened, use within 14 days for best quality, though it may last 3-4 weeks when continuously refrigerated.
• Look for signs of spoilage before eating like off odors, sliminess, or mold and discard if present.
• When reheating, follow package instructions. Microwave just until heated through or pan fry for a few minutes to restore crispy texture.

Can You Store Unopened Fully Cooked Bacon at Room Temperature?

While the package states the bacon can be stored at room temperature, this refers specifically to unopened packages. Storing an unopened package of fully cooked bacon at room temperature for a brief period before the sell-by or use-by date should not pose any major food safety risk.

However, it is still ideal to refrigerate unopened packages up until ready to use. Refrigeration will better preserve the quality and prevent any off odors from developing.

If you do choose to keep an unopened package at room temperature, here are some guidelines:

• Store in a cool, dry pantry away from sources of heat like the oven. Temperature should optimally be below 70°F.
• Check package for recommended use-by or sell-by date and be sure to use by this date. Typically unopened shelf life is around 6-9 months.
• Open and use within 1 week for best quality if storing at room temperature.
• Do not open and return to room temperature storage. Refrigerate after opening.
• Inspect for signs of spoilage and off odors before using and discard if any noted.

The bottom line is that unopened packages can handle brief room temperature storage, but refrigeration is still best for quality. Once opened, Oscar Mayer fully cooked bacon requires refrigeration.

Signs Your Fully Cooked Bacon Has Spoiled

It is important to look for signs of spoilage before eating fully cooked bacon stored in the refrigerator or at room temperature. Here are some things that may indicate the bacon is unsafe to eat:

• Slimy or sticky texture
• Mold growth
• Off odors like sour, ammonia, or rotten
• Discoloration
• Dry, cracked, or hard texture
• Visible bacterial colonies or fuzziness

Bacon can also develop a rancid taste before visible signs appear if the fats have oxidized. This rancid flavor indicates the bacon should be discarded.

Always inspect Oscar Mayer fully cooked bacon before use and discard at the first sign of spoilage for food safety. And remember to adhere to use-by dates as well.

Storing Leftover Cooked Bacon Safely

To safely store any leftover fully cooked Oscar Mayer bacon after reheating:

• Allow to cool to room temperature, about 30 minutes, before refrigerating.
• Place cooled leftovers in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag.
• Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
• Reheat leftover bacon thoroughly before eating again.
• Discard if you notice any signs of spoilage.

With proper refrigerated storage, fully cooked Oscar Mayer bacon will maintain optimal safety and quality for use within the recommended 14 day shelf life. While it can technically be stored at room temperature when unopened, refrigeration is the best practice both before and after opening the package. Following these tips will keep this popular convenience food item fresh and ready to enjoy as part of quick meals and snacks.