The Signs of Food Spoilage

The Signs of Food Spoilage

Signs of Food Spoilage

Overall Appearance

• Changes in colour: If a food’s colour shifts significantly from its natural hue, it may be a sign of spoilage.
• Mold growth: Visible mold, especially on bread, cheese, and fruit, is an indication that the food is spoiled.
• Discolouration or dark spots on meat or poultry can indicate spoilage.

Texture

• If a food item becomes unusually soft, slimy or mushy, it is typically a clear sign of spoilage.
• The development of a slimy film on the surface of meat, fish or poultry certainly indicates spoilage.

Smell

• A rotten, foul or unusual smell is a clear warning sign of food spoilage.
• Foods should maintain their original, fresh smell. Any divergence should be treated with suspicion.

Taste

• While not recommended to try, a sour, rotten or unusually bitter taste can signify that food is spoiled.

Types of Food Spoilage

Dairy Products

• Milk may develop a sour smell or taste and may form lumps.
• Cheese can acquire mold growth, become slimy or develop an off smell.

Fruits and Vegetables

• Fruits and vegetables can become excessively soft or mushy and can exhibit mold growth.
• Discolouration of certain sections, particularly dark or black spots, can suggest spoilage.

Bread and Baked Goods

• Mold is most common in bread spoilage, typically appearing as blue-green patches.
• A change in smell, texture or taste indicates that bread products are spoiling.

Meat and Fish

• Spoiled fish has a pungent, ‘fishy’ smell and may have a slimy texture.
• Meat that changes colour, develops a slick film, or has an unusual smell is very likely spoiled.

Remember, if you are in doubt about whether a food is spoilt, it is safer to throw it out!