Eli5 how do chips become stale when exposed to air for a period of time but are still “ok” to eat, however other foods will spoil and are not safe?

Question

Eli5 how do chips become stale when exposed to air for a period of time but are still “ok” to eat, however other foods will spoil and are not safe?

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Answer 1

It has to do with the kind of bacteria that are able to propagate in said food. Chips are fried/baked from the factory, reducing the possible amount of bacteria still alive when in the package. Something like meat, however, is a breeding ground for potential bacteria growth that’s just waiting for the right environment to spread like wildfire.