Pulled deli ham from the fridge and noticed a rainbow-like shine on the slices. Is that normal?

While iridescence itself is safe, it’s wise to check for actual signs of spoilage before eating:

Normal Iridescence	Signs of Spoilage
Shiny, rainbow colors only on the surface	Dull, gray, brown, or green discoloration throughout
Meat smells fresh, slightly salty or smoky	Sour, ammonia-like, or “off” odor
Surface feels moist but not slimy	Slimy, sticky, or tacky texture
Within use-by date and properly stored	Past expiration date or left unrefrigerated >2 hours

❗ Trust your senses: If it smells bad or feels slimy, toss it—even if it’s within the date.

🛒 Expert Tips: Buying & Storing Deli Meats Safely

To keep your deli ham fresh and minimize concerns:

Buy from reputable sources: Choose pre-packaged meats with clear dates, or ask for freshly sliced meat at the deli counter.
Check the “use-by” or “sell-by” date: Consume pre-packaged deli meat within 7 days of opening; freshly sliced deli meat within 3–5 days.
Store properly: Keep in the coldest part of your fridge (≤40°F / 4°C), ideally in an airtight container to limit oxygen exposure.
When in doubt, throw it out: Deli meats are perishable—don’t risk foodborne illness.

❤️ The Bottom Line

That mesmerizing rainbow on your ham isn’t a warning—it’s light dancing on protein. As long as your meat smells fresh, feels firm, and has been stored correctly, it’s perfectly safe to eat.

So go ahead—make that sandwich. Just maybe admire the colors first. 🌈