Costco Ribs - Funky Smell

[Marianna]

Anyone else notice that Costco ribs have a funky smell to them when you open the packaging? I normally buy from WF, but needed ribs in a hurry, so ran out to Costco and was reminded of that funky smell as soon as I opened them up. Anyone else? I don't notice that with WF.

Yes but after rinsing with cold water they smelled fine and never made anyone I’ll eating them.

 

[C. Keeper]

Yes but after rinsing with cold water they smelled fine and never made anyone I’ll eating them.

Clean meat is important!

 

[Foodkid]

Anyone else notice that Costco ribs have a funky smell to them when you open the packaging? I normally buy from WF, but needed ribs in a hurry, so ran out to Costco and was reminded of that funky smell as soon as I opened them up. Anyone else? I don't notice that with WF.

Yes, I got a funky smell from Costco's pork belly once. It smelled like a gas station bathroom

 

[Foodkid]

I recently had a similar experience with ribs from BJ's...strong, pungent smell...I chucked them and went to Giant to get Smithfield brand...those smelled fine.

love Smithfield pork

 

[Jim6820]

I must say that my experience has been different with Costco ribs and other pork products. I’ve never gotten any that smelled bad…or, even, off. YMMV

I wonder if my local Costco’s meat department does a better job than other locations of caring for their pork?

 

[Threadcutter]

I must say that my experience has been different with Costco ribs and other pork products. I’ve never gotten any that smelled bad…or, even, off. YMMV

I wonder if my local Costco’s meat department does a better job than other locations of caring for their pork?

Do they maybe get their pork and beef local to you ? There's a lot of quality livestock in your neck of the woods

 

[KatoJunkie]

Anyone else notice that Costco ribs have a funky smell to them when you open the packaging? I normally buy from WF, but needed ribs in a hurry, so ran out to Costco and was reminded of that funky smell as soon as I opened them up. Anyone else? I don't notice that with WF.

While we all have our unique experiences, after three times the same experience to had, I now buy ribs from Sam’s Club. They have never had that stinky porky smell.

I know for all of us Costco snobs, you might be surprised at that, but I find we have certain things we buy from either Costco or Sam’s - maybe some of you are the same.

 

[BNeal]

While we all have our unique experiences, after three times the same experience to had, I now buy ribs from Sam’s Club. They have never had that stinky porky smell.

I know for all of us Costco snobs, you might be surprised at that, but I find we have certain things we buy from either Costco or Sam’s - maybe some of you are the same.

I pretty much never buy meat from Costco any more - almost all my meat comes from Wild Fork. Only reason I went to Costco this time is I was in a time crunch and needed the meat thawed. Although, most of Costco's meats are fine, I just like the order online and free delivery thing.

 

[BethV]

I've had way too many bad experiences with ribs and pork butts from Costco. Other meats seem to be okay. I shop at WF or Restaurant Depot. No issues there.

Like fish, meats should not stink upon opening the package. The percentage of the time you won't have the issue of stinky meat which is why it is so obviously when it does smell bad. It's not the norm.

I live by this....when in doubt, don't.

 

[SmokeOCD]

Like fish, meats should not stink upon opening the package.

Tuna? (in a can)

 

[BethV]

Tuna? (in a can)

You got me there

 

[Roaniecowpony]

I kinda like canned tuna.

But I also like kipper snacks and sardines...liverwurst.

 

[Pacman]

I kinda like canned tuna.

But I also like kipper snacks and sardines...liverwurst.

Just to help this thread to run away even further. I like kippers, sardines, and liverwurst. Part of being exposed to all as a kid so I didn't get the chance to think they're gross.

I used to like tuna too, but one time I obviously got a can from a disgruntled Starkist employee that was full of scales and guts. The thought of opening up a can like that again has me officially canned tuna free since 2012!

 

[Greg Jones]

gross.

I used to like tuna too, but one time I obviously got a can from a disgruntled Starkist employee that was full of scales and guts.

Been there, done that. May I suggest the Ortiz brand tuna. It may bring you back to enjoying tuna again. My understanding it that the Tonnino brand is excellent as well, but I’ve never tried it yet.

 

[C. Keeper]

Just remember:
You can tune a piano
But, you can't tuna fish

 

[JustCallBen]

Just remember:
You can tune a piano
But, you can't tuna fish

Yes, you can tuna fish. If you didn't it would be very messy to carry home from the store.

 

[woody31949]

Well, that pretty much sums it up. Thanks for the link.

Thank you for the link. I too have opened a package of ribs from Costco and got knocked over by the odor. The link explains it just fine but me and my nose are done at that point. I usually buy the pack with 3 racks and split them up and then vacuum seal each rack as it is normally for just my wife and I. It doesn't happen often but I won't salvage them or take them back to Costco which I'm sure would give me a refund. I just go out and throw them in the ICW and let the crabs feast on them. I may have to give WF a try. Thanks again

 

[cutplug]

I buy a fair amount of meat at Costco. But NEVER Smithfield or Wild Fork.
If you leave the ribs opened for a bit the smell will dissipate. (I usually do not wash meat)
Wild Fork is owned by JBS, the biggest meat processor in the world.
They also use child labor right here in the good ol USA.
Smithfield is owned by a China conglomerate called WH.
Here are some links for you reading pleasure.
https://cairncrestfarm.com/blog/wat...rk Foods is owned,nothing of pork and chicken.
https://www.dol.gov/newsroom/releases/whd/whd20230217-1
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WH_Group

Enjoy your ribs from whoever you choose but please choose wisely.

 

[Mozekian]

I buy a fair amount of meat at Costco. But NEVER Smithfield or Wild Fork.
If you leave the ribs opened for a bit the smell will dissipate. (I usually do not wash meat)
Wild Fork is owned by JBS, the biggest meat processor in the world.
They also use child labor right here in the good ol USA.
Smithfield is owned by a China conglomerate called WH.
Here are some links for you reading pleasure.
https://cairncrestfarm.com/blog/watch-out-for-wild-fork-foods/#:~:text=Wild Fork Foods is owned,nothing of pork and chicken.
https://www.dol.gov/newsroom/releases/whd/whd20230217-1
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WH_Group

Enjoy your ribs from whoever you choose but please choose wisely.

https://jbsfoodsgroup.com/our-brands

Thats a lot of brands to avoid, including Swift from Costco and their pork.

We have a few local Wild Fork stores here in DFW; I love the store and have enjoyed a lot of their products, especially the iberico pork...delicious. To each their own.

 

[cutplug]

My pork I get Chairman reserve's from US Chef.
Yes to each their own but I personally have to stop at child labor grave shifts cleaning meat processing equipment.
I started working in kitchens at 12 so I do not have a problem with kids working but c'mon man!