10 months ago, I bought a 5 pound tub of lard. It has been in the refrigerator at all times since that. I really want to use it but I cannot open the tub. The tub is made of heavy duty plastic and has one of those pull strips on it. I have tried to open it on a few occasions but have not been successful - that is why I still have it. I am going to take it to my school cafeteria - I think they use this kind of container often - but I am wondering what the shelf life of refrigerated lard is? What are the signs of lard that has gone bad? discoloration? foul smell?