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Smell -

Any bad smell is a clear indicator that the food should not be consumed. Trust your nose when you smell foods such as milk or ham.

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Fish -

Fresh fish will have shiny eyes and the gills should have a bright red color and not be dry. Signs of discoloration and a strong smell indicate the fish might be off.

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Chicken -

Chicken should be pink, not grey. Sometimes it can even smell fine, but the discoloration is a clear sign it should not be eaten.

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Rice -

Usually, cooked rice can last up to five to six days in the fridge. More time and it can start growing a bacteria called Bacillus cereus.

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Rice -

This bacteria won't die even if you reheat the rice. It can cause food poisoning, so it’s better not to risk it.

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Potatoes -

If their skin turns green, it could mean that the potato is producing solanine. This compound can cause poisoning, so it's better to avoid it.

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Eggs -

The basic test is to put them in a recipient with water. If they float, it’s a sign the eggs are not fresh and might be spoiled.

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Eggs -

A floating egg doesn’t necessarily mean it has gone bad, but it is a sign that they’re a bit old. If you want to risk it, smell the yolk when you crack it. That’s your definitive answer.

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Green vegetables -

When vegetables turn any other color than the one they should be (e.g. yellowish), then that’s a sign they’re going bad.

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Green vegetables -

A slight color change is normal, but a stark yellowish broccoli is probably spoiled. Don’t eat it.

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Moldy fruit -

If your fruit has mold (e.g. strawberries), then it's not good to consume.

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Moldy fruit -

Some people trim off the mouldy bit and eat the rest, but this can be risky, as you don’t know to which extent the food is contaminated since you can’t see it.

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Bread -

Cutting the mold off a piece of bread doesn’t make it fine to eat. As with fruit, mold spores might have infected the whole bread–you just can’t see it.

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Meat -

If the meat has an odd color, then think again before consuming it. While it’s natural for beef to go slightly brown as a result of oxidation, if it turns dark or greenish throw it away.

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Slimy film -

If there’s a slimy film on top of a food, then it’s time to throw it in the garbage. You might find this particularly on cold cuts.

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Avocado -

We all love a ripe avocado, but can you tell if it’s gone bad? Look out for brown discoloration under the stem.

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Seafood -

Seafood is supposed to smell fresh, like the ocean. If it smells of fish, then it’s usually a sign that it’s not fresh.

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Seafood -

A sour or ammonia smell is also a sign that seafood has gone bad.

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Olive oil -

If it smells rancid, like glue or motor oil, don’t consume it.

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Shellfish -

Before you cook fresh oysters, mussels, or clams, tap them gently and see if they close. If they don’t, it means they’re dead. Don’t eat them.

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Shellfish -

Cooked closed clams, for instance, are usually a sign that they were dead before they got cooked. Do not try to open and eat them.

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Mushrooms -

Mushrooms tend to lose their color and become darker. Sometimes they’re still edible, but they won’t taste the same as fresh ones.

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Canned goods -

If they have lots of dents, cracks or any significant damage, then the food inside might be compromised.

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Canned goods -

Do not consume if the lid is damaged or the seal is broken.

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Mushy fruit -

If your fruit is mushy then it’s gone past its shelf life. Watch out for signs of mold too!

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Frozen food -

If your frozen food is covered in frost, then it usually means it’s been exposed to temperature changes and should not be consumed.

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Frozen food -

If your frozen food is burned, the taste and texture will also not be the same.

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Spices -

If the colors are faded and they’re stuck together in a jar, then it’s time to throw them away.

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Milk substitutes -

If your almond milk, for instance, feels extra thick, has lumps, or develops a film, then it’s probably spoiled.

See also: Healthy non-perishable food items to keep in stock.

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