"It looks like a piece of old leather," the BBC reports.

Smithfield, Virginia Isle of Wight County Museum curator Tracey Neikirk told the Wall Street Journal, getting a new display case for the ham was a struggle. "I had a few exhibit companies say we can't make a case for that. They can make a case for Mrs. Lincoln's dress, but hams, not so much," she quipped.

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Randy Worobo is a food microbiology professor at Cornell University. He says while it might not taste great, you could make a sandwich from the old pork. "From a microbiological standpoint, it's got an indefinite shelf life once you remove enough of the water," he explained.

However, Dr. Worobo was quick to add that when it comes to aesthetics like how it tastes and feels in your mouth, “it may not be acceptable."

Our message to anyone saying the ham is fine to eat is short and simple:

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The SNAP program provided benefits to about 13% of Georgia’s population, 1.4 million people, during the 2024 fiscal year. (Associated Press)

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U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff waves to a crowd of supporters during his "Rally For Our Republic" event on Saturday, July 12, 2025, inside the Kehoe Iron Works building at Trustees Garden in Savannah. During his speech, Ossoff said, "What’s happening to our country right now should chill us to the bone." (Sarah Peacock for the AJC)

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