Hot dogs? HELP!

[EshuBarakeno]

I have a dozen packs of hot dogs in the fridge that I had gotten free after coupons at Food 4 Less. They expire in a week, so I was going to freeze them like I usually do, but they look strange. The package is swelled up with air and puffy. I've had some that did this a tiny bit before and didn't think anything of it, but these packages have swelled up so much that they look like they are going to burst.

Does this mean that they've gone bad early, or is it harmless? My mom is afraid to eat them now, but I would hate to have to throw them all away.

[maryannehoben]

I would say that they are going bad - you could check by opening one and smelling it - I always do that with meat anyway.

Originally Posted by EshuBarakeno I have a dozen packs of hot dogs in the fridge that I had gotten free after coupons at Food 4 Less. They expire in a week, so I was going to freeze them like I usually do, but they look strange. The package is swelled up with air and puffy. I've had some that did this a tiny bit before and didn't think anything of it, but these packages have swelled up so much that they look like they are going to burst. Does this mean that they've gone bad early, or is it harmless? My mom is afraid to eat them now, but I would hate to have to throw them all away.

[MoneySavinDiva]

I've never heard of this happening before...I would just open them and smell as pp suggested. If they still smell okay get them in the freezer asap!

[cjnelson]

Throw them don't take any chances. Spoiled foods release gases that why it puffed up.