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Perishable foods often require cold storage to extend their life span for as long as possible. However, some items can still spoil even when placed in near-perfect conditions. In those cases, restaurant owners should know the signs of spoilage so they don’t end up serving any unsafe dishes. Here are some of the top indicators to look out for.

How to Tell If Food Has Spoiled in Cold Storage

1. Visible Discoloration

Perform a full visible inspection of food before eating or serving it. Some items, like produce, may start to fade or turn slightly brown as they spoil. Others could begin to grow visible mold on their surfaces. Any noticeable change in color or texture is a sign that the food has gone bad.

2. Rancid Smells

cold storageAs certain foods spoil, bacteria and mold start to collect, which may lead to a pungent odor. Even if you can’t see any mold yet, avoid serving food items that smell differently than they did when they were fresh. This is a key indicator of spoilage for foods like meat and dairy.

3. Layers of Frost

For frozen foods, frost may accumulate on certain items that have been left in the freezer for a prolonged period, especially if they’re not wrapped carefully or in an airtight container. This phenomenon is commonly referred to as “freezer burn.” While it may not mean that the food has completely spoiled, it does usually lead to dehydration or oxidation, which can impact both taste and texture.

 

If you need cold storage to keep your food fresh, reduce waste, and save money, Unicold Corporation in Honolulu, HI, can help. As Hawaii’s largest refrigerated warehouse, the company has locations in Nawiliwili, Kawaihae, Kahului, and Hilo. They also provide refrigerated shipping and freight services to every Hawaiian island year-round. View a full list of services on the company’s website or call (808) 836-2931 to speak with a company rep about your needs.

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