Can't figure out whether a food item has gone bad or not? Here are some easy tricks to find out

Food items get spoiled faster during summer. Consuming them can make you fall ill so, you must be able to find out whether a food item has gone bad.

How to know if a food item has gone bad or stale

Understanding if milk, bread, chicken, and fruits have gone bad can prevent foodborne illnesses and ensure you are consuming fresh and safe products. Here are some easy tips to determine if any food item is spoiled:

Milk - Fresh milk has a mild, slightly sweet smell. If it has a sour, unpleasant odor, it has likely gone bad. Spoiled milk will have a sour taste and may look lumpy. It might also have a yellowish tint.

Bread - Check for visible mold, which can appear as green, white, or black spots. Bread should have a neutral or slightly yeasty smell. Fresh bread is soft and firm. If it feels hard, stale, or unusually dry, it may have gone bad.

Fruits and vegetables - Look for mold, dark spots, or any unusual discoloration. Bruised or damaged areas may also indicate spoilage. Fruits should smell fresh and fragrant. A fermented or off smell indicates that the fruit is no longer good.

Chicken or fish - Fresh chicken has a mild smell. If it smells sour, ammonia-like, or has a strong odour, it is likely spoiled. Fresh chicken or fish should be firm and slightly moist. If it feels slimy or sticky, it has gone bad.

Vegetable curry or gravy - Again if a curry smells sour or is a bit slimy then it has definitely gone bad and you should not consume it.

Additonal tips to find out if a food item has gone bad or stale

Expiry Dates: Always check the expiry or best-before dates on packaged foods.

Storage Conditions: Proper storage can extend the shelf life of food items. Keep perishable items refrigerated and store fruits in a cool, dry place.

Common Sense: When in doubt, it is safer to discard food that you suspect might be spoiled.

Also watch: ICMR suggests covering food with a lid while cooking, here's why