There is a universal truth that applies to everyone: we must say no to food waste; however, there are times when food goes bad despite being careful. In this sense, it is very important to identify spoiled food, as it could cause us health problems. So here we tell you how to tell if food has gone bad, take note!

You can also read: What to do with food when it has mold? 

Tips for identifying spoiled food

In general, experts recommend considering these details to identify spoiled food:

• Bad smells
• Bad taste
• Strange texture
  

Fruits and vegetables

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) explains that once spoiled, fruits and vegetables have a watery and slimy texture. You may also see mold on the surface.

Eggs

The smell of eggs should always be neutral, so if the smell is a bit strong, it is better not to consume them. Also, it is not recommended to eat eggs that have cracked, as they could be contaminated. On the other hand, the USDA explains that when the egg white appears pink or has a shiny tone, it means it is contaminated with pseudomonas bacteria.

Shrimp and fish

If the shrimp is raw and has an unpleasant smell and is sticky, then it has spoiled. Also, pay close attention to the color. The same applies to fresh fish.

Read more: How to tell if an egg is rotten? 

Meat

In the case of red meat, a bad smell is the most obvious sign that it has spoiled. Additionally, the meat may also have a slimy or sticky texture, as well as mold.

Chicken

You will know that chicken is spoiled when it emits a foul odor. Also, pay close attention to the color, as if it has a different color, it is better not to consume it.

Dairy

Dairy products are spoiled when they have a sour smell, lumps, or a slightly yellow color. In the case of cheese, this is even more evident, as it will have mold.

Rice

Rice is a key ingredient in Mexican cuisine, as it is the perfect side dish for any stew. However, cooked rice can become sticky or have a foul smell.

For its part, the University of California recommends not leaving cooked rice at room temperature for too long, as this will cause it to spoil quickly.

See more: Fresh fish? Tricks to tell if it has gone bad