Chip bags are commonly filled with nitrogen, which helps protect the chips from being crushed during transportation and keeps them crisp. This type of puffiness is normal. However, when packages containing perishable foods such as cheese, sausages, or dairy products unexpectedly expand, microorganisms growing inside may be producing gas.
Some microorganisms simply cause food to spoil, while others can potentially cause illness. For that reason, unusually swollen refrigerated packages or canned foods should be treated cautiously. It is safer to avoid buying suspicious packages and to make sure perishable foods are kept properly refrigerated at home.
Before eating packaged food, check its expiration date, the condition of the container, and whether the contents look or smell unusual. If a package has unexpectedly inflated or the food appears abnormal, throwing it away is safer than taking the risk. Recognizing the difference between intentional packaging and unexpected swelling can help prevent food-related illness.
