Vacuum-packed (or not?) bacon, safe to use? I purchased a 3-pack of bacon a week ago, basically 3 vacuum packed (is that the right word for this?) bacon, stripped together (probably made together, seems like the plastic was just sealed between three clusters of bacon.)

I have discovered that one of the packages is not void of air, but it is apparently airtight, I can squeeze on the package and it doesn't give in or seem to vent any air, it just contains air, whereas the other package (I have already used one) is void of air, which is what I expected it to be.

So my question is, is the package that contains air safe to use?

The expiration date on the packages are middle of next month, so they're well within their intended usage, but I'm just not sure about the air.

Does anyone know?

Considering they were cheap packages, I will probably just toss it, but since I planned on using the packages for dinner today, I probably need to come up with a backup plan, unless, of course, it is entirely safe to eat.

So what's the verdict?
The existence of gas in a vacuum-sealed environment could be a sign of microbial activity.  I would assume that, since the package appears to be sealed, that the gases in it were introduced from within.  I would toss that one and feel OK using the other two.