Food Contamination: Signs That Go Beyond Expiry Dates

Date marks or expiry dates indicate how long packaged food can be stored before it spoils or becomes unsafe to eat. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has set clear guidelines for “Best Before” and “Use By” dates for various packaged products, to ensure that consumers know when the product is safe to consume.

According to WHO, 1 in 10 people globally fall ill from contaminated food each year, with an estimated 600 million affected and 420,000 fatalities from foodborne diseases. Pathogens in food cause food poisoning and increase the risk of over 200 different diseases. Therefore, it is crucial to prioritize hygiene and quality while consuming food and look for any signs of contamination in the food items. When it comes to packaged foods, checking the expiry dates of the product is the first step to ensure that the food is not contaminated. Factors like the product’s ingredients, temperature, and storage conditions significantly affect the food’s quality and nutritional value.

Dr Veena Panicker, Head of BioMonitoring, Merck Lifescience Pvt. Ltd. feels it is essential to be aware of other indicators of food contamination, such as:

1. Unpleasant SmellSpoiled food product starts to smell rotten and sour. This can happen due to improper packaging or storage, the use of low-quality ingredients, or preparation in unhygienic conditions.
2. Discoloration/Change in textureDue to the breakdown of food components or bacterial growth, food undergoing spoilage may start to change texture. This may show up as clumping in beverages, or a sticky or grimy texture in solid food.
3. Unusual TasteSpoiled and stale food may change the usual taste of the food product. A bitter, sour, or metallic taste is a sign that the food has been contaminated.
4. Improper storageCertain foods are required to be kept under specific temperatures to maintain their quality. For example, milk-based drinks and meat-based food need refrigeration.
5. Bulging or leaking packagingSpoiled food generates gas, causing the packaging to bulge and leak. Improper storage conditions also affect the packaging, leading to food contamination.Spoiled or contaminated food may not always show visible signs of contamination but can cause food poisoning if consumed without proper examination. While food poisoning is a relatively mild condition that gets better in a few days, persistent symptoms like nausea, stomach cramps, and diarrhoea should not be overlooked and get addressed by a medical professional.

   Sometimes consuming contaminated food can be even more dangerous, leading to permanent health issues or even death. Therefore, it is crucial for people to ensure that the food they are consuming is safe and hygienic.