Why Does Deli Meat Sometimes Have a Rainbow Shine

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Why the Rainbow Effect Is Actually Fascinating

What many people mistake for spoilage is actually a small scientific wonder happening right in their refrigerator.

The colorful sheen appears because the muscle fibers inside the meat interact with light in a unique way. It’s a natural result of the meat’s structure and how it was sliced—not a sign that anything is wrong.

In fact, some food scientists consider it similar to the iridescence seen in butterfly wings,