Will you get sick from eating rancid shortening?

Eating rancid shortening is unlikely to cause serious illness, but it can lead to digestive discomfort, such as nausea or an upset stomach. Rancidity occurs due to the oxidation of fats, which affects the flavor and smell but typically doesn't produce harmful pathogens. However, it’s always best to avoid consuming rancid products, as their quality and safety are compromised. If in doubt, it's safer to discard the rancid shortening.