What are the signs of spoilage in food?

Off smells are a primary indicator of food spoilage. When food spoils, chemical changes occur due to the growth of bacteria, molds, or yeasts, which can produce unpleasant odors. These off smells are signals that the food is no longer safe to consume and may contain pathogens or toxins that could lead to foodborne illnesses.

In contrast, bright colors are often a sign of freshness in many foods, such as fruits and vegetables. A hard texture can indicate that some foods are still fresh, particularly with produce that is meant to be crisp. Sweet taste, while generally a desirable characteristic in certain foods, does not indicate spoilage and can be present in both fresh and spoiled items depending on the specific food item and its condition. Thus, identifying off smells is crucial for determining food safety and ensuring that spoiled food is not consumed.