Stale meat is meat that is not fresh but still edible. It is the point where the meat is still safe to eat but not really all that pleasant to eat. Meat can become stale due to a change in the chemical structure of the food, which can happen in different ways for different foods. Spoiled meat, on the other hand, is meat that has gone bad and is no longer safe to eat. Spoilage is caused by the practically unavoidable infection and subsequent decomposition of meat by bacteria and fungi, which are borne by the animal itself, by the people handling the meat, and by their implements.

To determine if meat is stale or spoiled, there are several things to look out for. Spoiled red meat has a distinct, pungent ammonia scent, and if it smells rancid, it most likely is. Spoiled red meat is also sticky to the touch, and if you can feel a slimy coating over the meat, it should be thrown away. Physical signs that meat has gone bad include mold and a sticky or slimy film, and if something smells rancid, it probably is. If you’re not sure how to tell if meat is bad, give it a good smell. If it smells rancid, strong, or unpleasant, the meat has probably gone bad and should be thrown away. If it smells okay but you’re still not sure, touch the surface of the meat. If it feels sticky or slimy, it is probably bad.

In summary, stale meat is meat that is not fresh but still safe to eat, while spoiled meat is meat that has gone bad and is no longer safe to eat. To determine if meat is stale or spoiled, look out for physical signs such as a slimy coating or mold, and a rancid or unpleasant smell.