A TikTok chef has absolutely blown up the debate over US food safety after discovering a powerful ammonia-like smell while cooking a package of ground beef, leading them to declare that “America is cooked.” The content creator, known as TheAudhdchef (@audhdchef), posted a video that’s already racked up over 190,000 views detailing the disturbing discovery.
As reported by Daily Dot, the chef was browning a package of lean ground beef that was still days away from its expiration date. While the meat looked normal at first glance, the chef said it smelled strongly of ammonia and seemed much paler than usual. This is a huge red flag for anyone who buys meat regularly.
The chef immediately noted that this shouldn’t be happening with standard ground beef, explaining that processors sometimes use an ammonia method for scrap cuts of meat depending on the preparation. They emphasized that this was just a regular package of ground beef, not a scrap cut.
So, should you panic about ammonia in your meat?
It’s complicated because the smell can mean two different things. According to experts, some meat processors add small amounts of ammonia to the beef to help prevent the growth of dangerous pathogens like E. coli and Salmonella. Ammonia used in these tiny amounts poses no harm to humans. However, the smell can also be a warning sign. A strong ammonia odor is often how spoiled meat alerts customers to a potentially dangerous product as it rots.
The disturbing experience has clearly shaken the chef. They lamented that they might have to quit eating beef and pork completely. The chef ended the viral video by referencing ammonia-use standards that have changed over the years, saying that “until regulations are back in place, it’s the only safe way to do it.” This really hits home if you’re concerned about what exactly is in your groceries.
This isn’t just random complaining, either. A professional chef of 20 years weighed in with a serious warning about the state of the industry. “I CANNOT believe this isn’t being talked about more! There are no regulations! There can’t be,” the chef stated. They added that produce often rots within 24 hours of purchase and that chicken packages are full of nasty blood and juice. They believe, quite bluntly, that “They’re literally trying to kill us.”
The community wasn’t without solutions, thankfully. Many commenters suggested that consumers need to take action by holding retailers accountable. One person urged others to “Return it. Put it in a bag and take it back to the store. If we don’t hold the stores accountable, they won’t hold their suppliers accountable.”
Others suggested ditching the big food chains entirely. Case in point, fast food chain Arby’s recently launched steak, which got rightfully grilled online. If you’re worried about quality, you should find a local butcher and buy only from them, as most still take pride in what they are marketing. One person who switched to buying meat from a farm noted that their beef is “beautiful and it smells good. The color is dark, like it should be.”
It seems like this single viral video has truly sparked a major discussion about consumer trust and how we process our food in the US. The current state here is not as bad as the recent food poisoning tragedy in Istanbul, but that should never be the benchmark anyway.
Published: Nov 24, 2025 05:00 pm