tofu package ballooned/looks like it is about to explode

[kosherfoodies]

i bought a package of tofu a couple of weeks ago, and it has been sitting unopened in my fridge since. this morning i noticed that the top is under a lot of pressure, and is puffed up and looks like it may explode.

what caused this? and more importantly, is it still edible?

[kosherfoodies]

thanks all - i opened it and it looked and smelled fine, but i threw it out anyway, because i didn't want to risk it.

[meatn3]

I work at a natural foods store - throw it out. Puffing = compromised. Tofu is a lot cheaper than a hospital bill.

[funniduck]

open the package and smell it. If it's bad it will stink.

[kosherfoodies]

so i am getting mixed reviews on this... anyone else?

[smartie]

I would not eat it. If it's not past the sell by date then return it to the store. It has fermented. I would not eat any food where the packaging has blown or puffed up.

[jen kalb]

http://en.allexperts.com/q/Food-Safet...

[la2tokyo]

I have had a pack of tofu in my fridge every day for the last 20 years and I have never seen this happen. Something is probably wrong with it. I did have a package bubble up because the bottom was dented in, but if the package was not damaged I would probably toss it just because tofu is cheap. That said, if it's really bad you will probably know when you open it. I've had the misfortune of accidentally putting spoiled tofu in my mouth several times and it is very obvious when it's bad. It smells terrible. Really cloudy water is not a good sign either.

[cheesecake17]

as long as the use by date hasn't passed it's ok. just be careful when you open the package..the water may squirt out at you.

[jen kalb]

I usually dump packages that do this, since it appears likely that there is additional fermentation/spoilage in the package to produce the gas that is swelling the package. Water leaked out of the product would not produce all this pressure.

Maybe I am just not brave enuf.
Usually I see this with cured meat products