In this brief guide, we’ll address the search query: “Why does my bread smell like chemicals?” Also, we’ll explore what our readers can do if their bread smells like chemicals, what are signs of spoilage in bread, and how to safely dispose of spoiled bread.
Why does my bread smell like chemicals?
Most often, bread may have a faint chemical spray due to the activity of yeast. However, these microorganisms, while necessary for fabricating bread, do not survive the baking process, as the high temperatures deactivate them.
However, it’s possible for bread to have a slightly chemical smell–reminiscent of acetone, as a remnant of their activity.
What bread smells like also gives clues as to what microorganism is present in the bread. For example, alcohol indicates yeast, whereas vinegary smells indicate the presence of acetobacters.
Also, it is possible for yeast to contaminate bread during packaging when it has reached a milder temperature, but these yeasts do not pose a health risk if consumed.
Overall, bread with a faint chemical smell may be regarded as safe to eat, though it may not be the most palatable for our readers.
Alternatively, bread may have a chemical smell due to the growth of some molds. If this is the case and mold growth is observed, the bread should be promptly discarded.
What can I do if my bread smells like chemicals?
If our readers have bread that smells like chemicals such as alcohol or acetone, the smell may dissipate if the bread is left to breathe with its packaging slightly removed.
However, if the bread is strongly impregnated with the scent of these types of substances, it may be feasible for our readers to return their bread to the distributor and request that it be exchanged for a loaf from a newer lot.
Alternatively, if it isn’t practical or possible to request a refund or exchange, our readers can opt to dispose of the bread and purchase a new loaf from the same brand or a different one.
What are the signs of spoilage in bread?
Signs of spoilage in bread include having a foul or questionable smell, having a change in consistency (being more damp, soggy from excessive moisture), being discolored (yellow, blue, green, etc), and showing signs of microbial growth such as fuzzy molds or bacterial colonies on the surface.
Bread with the aforementioned signs should be disposed of in its entirety, as due to its soft texture, more food may be contaminated than may be visible to the naked eye.
Depending on the microbes that have caused spoilage, consuming it can trigger sicknesses such as indigestion, nausea, abdominal aches, vomiting, diarrhea, etc. In other cases, toxins secreted by some molds may cause intoxication of the liver and kidneys.
We recommend that our readers exhaust every feasible storage alternative to prolong their bread’s shelf life, such as storing it in tight-sealing containers, keeping their bread dry and out of damp areas, and avoiding leaving the packaging open, as this can constitute an entryway for airborne microbes to reach its surface and pollute it.
How can I safely dispose of bread?
To dispose safely of bread, we recommend that our readers encase it within a tight-sealing plastic bag, and then throw it in their trash bin or dumpster chute. It is important to keep the bread within a tight-sealed bag, as the smells may draw in critters such as mice, cockroaches, crickets, weevils, flour beetles, and other animals that have a taste for starchy food.
By ensuring that spoiled bread is sealed tight, it can be kept out of reach of pets and these critters, reducing the likelihood of infestations that may merit a visit from a pest control professional or a fumigation company.
These critters can also find their way into larders and pantries and may transport diseases, therefore, we recommend that our readers exhaust every hygienic measure when disposing of their spoiled food to prevent infestations.
Conclusion
In this brief guide, we have addressed the search query: “Why does my bread smell like chemicals?” Also, we have explored what our readers can do if their bread smells like chemicals, what are signs of spoilage in bread, and how to safely dispose of spoiled bread.