An ancient 'superfood' sent from heaven
If their skin turns green, it could mean that the potato is producing solanine. This compound can cause poisoning, so it's better to avoid it.
If your frozen food is burned, the taste and texture will also not be the same.
Do not consume if the lid is damaged or the seal is broken.
If your frozen food is covered in frost, then it usually means it’s been exposed to temperature changes and should not be consumed.
If there’s a slimy film on top of a food, then it’s time to throw it in the garbage. You might find this particularly on cold cuts.
If your almond milk, for instance, feels extra thick, has lumps, or develops a film, then it’s probably spoiled.
See also: Healthy non-perishable food items to keep in stock.
If your fruit has mold (e.g. strawberries), then it's not good to consume.
Seafood is supposed to smell fresh, like the ocean. If it smells of fish, then it’s usually a sign that it’s not fresh.
If it smells rancid, like glue or motor oil, don’t consume it.
Usually, cooked rice can last up to five to six days in the fridge. More time and it can start growing a bacteria called Bacillus cereus.
The basic test is to put them in a recipient with water. If they float, it’s a sign the eggs are not fresh and might be spoiled.
If the colors are faded and they’re stuck together in a jar, then it’s time to throw them away.
If they have lots of dents, cracks or any significant damage, then the food inside might be compromised.
Cooked closed clams, for instance, are usually a sign that they were dead before they got cooked. Do not try to open and eat them.
A floating egg doesn’t necessarily mean it has gone bad, but it is a sign that they’re a bit old. If you want to risk it, smell the yolk when you crack it. That’s your definitive answer.
If the meat has an odd color, then think again before consuming it. While it’s natural for beef to go slightly brown as a result of oxidation, if it turns dark or greenish throw it away.
We all love a ripe avocado, but can you tell if it’s gone bad? Look out for brown discoloration under the stem.
Cutting the mold off a piece of bread doesn’t make it fine to eat. As with fruit, mold spores might have infected the whole bread–you just can’t see it.
Before you cook fresh oysters, mussels, or clams, tap them gently and see if they close. If they don’t, it means they’re dead. Don’t eat them.
Mushrooms tend to lose their color and become darker. Sometimes they’re still edible, but they won’t taste the same as fresh ones.
Any bad smell is a clear indicator that the food should not be consumed. Trust your nose when you smell foods such as milk or ham.
When vegetables turn any other color than the one they should be (e.g. yellowish), then that’s a sign they’re going bad.
A sour or ammonia smell is also a sign that seafood has gone bad.
If your fruit is mushy then it’s gone past its shelf life. Watch out for signs of mold too!
A slight color change is normal, but a stark yellowish broccoli is probably spoiled. Don’t eat it.
Some people trim off the mouldy bit and eat the rest, but this can be risky, as you don’t know to which extent the food is contaminated since you can’t see it.
This bacteria won't die even if you reheat the rice. It can cause food poisoning, so it’s better not to risk it.
Chicken should be pink, not grey. Sometimes it can even smell fine, but the discoloration is a clear sign it should not be eaten.
Fresh fish will have shiny eyes and the gills should have a bright red color and not be dry. Signs of discoloration and a strong smell indicate the fish might be off.
Nobody likes to throw food away. But while we try to avoid this, sometimes food goes bad. Some foods have "best before" dates, which can help us make a decision on whether or not we should eat it. But this is not the case for every food, so here's an easy guide on how you can tell if food has gone bad.
Click through the following gallery and learn to read the signs that your food has got to go!
How to tell if food has gone bad
If in doubt, throw it out!
FOOD Health
Nobody likes to throw food away. But while we try to avoid this, sometimes food goes bad. Some foods have "best before" dates, which can help us make a decision on whether or not we should eat it. But this is not the case for every food, so here's an easy guide on how you can tell if food has gone bad.
Click through the following gallery and learn to read the signs that your food has got to go!