Why does pork loin smell like sulfur when package is opened?

Question

This is the second time I have encountered this. I have a vacuum packed pork loin within the sill by date and when I open it, it smells like sulfur (that kind of rotten egg smell). The first time it happened, we tossed it but now it has happened again even though we purchased a different brand. Is this normal or is the meat bad? I tried finding a contact number for IBP Pork bought by Tyson but couldn't locate one. Anyone know anything about this?

Answer 1

I've encountered the same problem with pork tenderloin, baby back ribs, etc. all purchased waay before the expiration date. I think it's the blood that smells foul. Once it's cleaned, the smell is gone.

Answer 2

I just bought some pork roast that were in a vacuum pack. My husband and I both gagged from the smell. Some of the juice ended up on my hand. I washed my hands twice and it is now 3 hours later and I still can not get that horrible smell off my hands.
My husband is returning the pork now to Costco. I will not buy pork at Costco again and will be watching all future meat purchases,

Answer 3

this should occur ONLY if its a vacuum sealed package from a major manufacturer

being that bacteria thrives in oxygen and moisture, the larger companies will use nitrogen to void the oxygen remaining in the bag. this should be what is producing th sulfuric smell you are noticing (if its in date and not obviously spoiled)

alot of pork and chicken products are being sold this way to increase sales life. take it out of the package. rinse it. and allow it to air dry (10-15 minutes) the smell should go away after this. though, its common for some to remain, but you should have to put your nose to it to smell it. and should definitely not be noticeable after cooking

Answer 4

i worked at sara lee corporation as an assembler. when they package meats even before putting it on the lines, they do put sulferic acid and also use dry ice. that is just to keep it fresh. ur meat is fine. even if u have a date like 8/14/14 and its november, as long as its been in the freezer its good to eat. a year after that date in the freezer then it needs to be thrown away. pork loins have to be kept moistened while raw and sealing it allows it to stay fresh.

Answer 5

I read in an article that some companies inject gases into packaging to keep meat red longer .

Answer 6

My guess is that the smell is because its old and it's either a natural decay smell or its part of some sort of preservative that they use. I know the smell you mean. It won't neccessarily make you sick but the meat isn't really fresh either.

Just because it's within the "sell by date" doesn't mean it isnt "old." Like the above response says, dont buy meat from prepackaged joints like that. Buy meat that is packaged in the store. Not shipped in packed with a big named brand on it.

Answer 7

I like the flame thrower answer. I let it soak in your bath tub for a day if it still smells fabreze it! Just use like a spice scent and you wont even notice after scorching.

Answer 8

cuts of meat are often fresher if bought from stores that have butchers on staff,makes for better quality cuts than the big mass producers,sounds like the tyson stuff was old old

Answer 9

Because they use a flame thrower to burn the hair off the freshly dead pig and also to help sterelize it.

Answer 10

thank you! Very informative and it gives me better insight on the topic