Food may become contaminated with bacteria, viruses, or parasites for various reasons, such as poor storage, handling, or cooking techniques, leading to potentially serious illness in consumers and symptoms of food poisoning.
Food poisoning usually arises quickly and subsides swiftly, so liquids must be consumed to avoid dehydration and prolong recovery.
Bumpy or Odd Appearance
Food that has become spoiled typically displays signs of discoloration and bumps on its surface, rendering it non-edible and potentially leading to health complications like vomiting and fever. Such foods should never be consumed; their consumption can result in significant health consequences, including vomiting or fever.
Food poisoning occurs when bacteria produce toxins that alter the appearance of food by breaking down cells and making it look odd. These toxins change its texture, creating bumpy or odd-shaped pieces.
Food stored for an extended period may become soggy and lose shape, becoming rotten and unpleasant to consume. This happens because oils and ingredients used to prepare the dish oxidize and produce yeast on its surface, causing it to taste either sour or bitter and become unappetizing.
Change in Color
Food that has changed color may indicate spoilage and can make you sick if consumed, making proper inspection and storage crucial to preventing spoilage and food poisoning. Eating spoiled or contaminated food may even prove fatal in certain instances.
Food that has undergone significant color change may be exposed to bacteria or contaminants; age, diet, exercise, and other factors could also have an effect. Any item displaying noticeable color change should be disposed of immediately as eating it could make you sick; loss of flavor does not indicate food has been compromised but could tell improper storage, handling, or preparation practices have occurred.
Odd Smell
Food that makes people sick often has an unusual odor due to toxins or bacteria present. Consuming such contaminated food can lead to serious health complications, including vomiting and diarrhea, symptoms associated with food poisoning, which could have resulted from improper preparation techniques or outdated ingredients.
Certain foods are more likely than others to contain harmful germs, including raw and undercooked meat and poultry, unpasteurized milk products, and seafood. Contamination may occur through improper storage, cooking, and handling in the kitchen; however, any food can become contaminated if left out too long or improperly prepared.
Odd odors may also indicate that food has been compromised or spoiled. Spoiling food often emits an unpleasant, vile, or pewter smell; however, not all spoiled items exhibit odd odors; therefore, if food has any of these qualities, it would be wise to dispose of it promptly.
If a portion of food tastes off, it is wise to taste only small bites to ensure its safety before making a final decision. If the taste does not agree, discarding it could help avoid sickness from eating contaminated or spoilt food.
Loss of Taste
Loss of taste may not seem like an immediate threat, but it could have severe ramifications for diet and overall health. Losing your sense of taste is often associated with specific cancer treatments; short-term symptoms may include colds or allergies.
Other things that could impair your sense of taste include medications (antidepressants, antihistamines, and some heart medications), nerve damage or trauma, and aging. If the loss of taste persists for more than two weeks, an otolaryngologist (ENT) should be seen for diagnosis.
Your doctor will review your medical history at your appointment and inquire into recent drug use or risk factors for taste disorders. He or she will also conduct an exam of your ears, nose, throat, teeth, and mouth for signs of disease or injury, as well as evaluate your sense of taste with chemical applications directly onto the tongue from an otolaryngologist – with whom he/she may then ask how it tastes!
COVID-19 can cause temporary loss of taste and smell due to inflammation in your nasal or sinus passages. Once symptoms resolve, taste should return; otherwise, you can take steps to help regain what once was there. These include eating different foods at various temperatures and adding spices for flavor enhancement.