If you run a food-based business, like a restaurant, supply chain management is a significant part of your job. You have to ensure fish, fruit, and meat stay fresh until used. Reliable cold storage and transportation promote longevity; however, foods won’t stay good forever, especially if they’ve been shipped from afar. When accepting deliveries of perishable produce, take the time to check for signs that it’s gone bad. Find out how you can identify spoiled items below.

3 Signs Your Food Is Spoiled

1. Visible Damage

Survey produce for signs of spoiling, like wilting or discoloration. Check the bottoms of containers as well since mold can develop in corners. This substance may appear green, white, or blue and will sometimes have a fuzzy appearance.

2. Strange Texture

Goods that are subject to an extended period of cold storage may develop a layer of frost, creating a crunchy, tough texture. This may indicate that the goods were allowed to thaw and develop a layer of moisture before refreezing. Refrozen food loses its flavor and integrity, and it attracts bacteria faster than once-frozen goods.

3. Foul Odor

Some foods develop a pungent smell as they spoil, and this is often the result of the chemical decomposition process. For example, milk may give off a sour scent, and fish may be more odorous than normal. Sometimes, these scents only become evident after items are removed from cold storage.

If you want to stop throwing out spoiled inventory, contact the team at Unicold Corporation in Honolulu, HI. This frozen food shipping company has provided businesses with chilled transportation and warehouse storage since 1962. They use state-of-the-art technology to constantly monitor temperatures, ensuring products are kept at their unique, ideal temperatures. Get more information about their services by visiting their website or calling (808) 836-2931.