I took deli ham out of the fridge and noticed an iridescent, rainbow-like sheen on the slices. Is that normal?

Why Deli Ham Sometimes Shimmers—and How to Judge Its Freshness
Posted onFebruary 1, 2026 ByadminNo Commentson Why Deli Ham Sometimes Shimmers—and How to Judge Its Freshness
Many people notice it the moment they unfold slices of deli ham: a glossy, rainbow-like sheen spreading across the surface. The mix of faint greens, purples, and blues can look metallic and understandably raises concerns about quality. While the effect may seem unusual, color alone isn’t a reliable indicator of freshness. Learning what causes this…Many people notice it the moment they unfold slices of deli ham: a glossy, rainbow-like sheen spreading across the surface. The mix of faint greens, purples, and blues can look metallic and understandably raises concerns about quality. While the effect may seem unusual, color alone isn’t a reliable indicator of freshness. Learning what causes this visual change makes it easier to tell a normal light effect from a real food-safety issue.The first step is understanding why the shimmer appears.