How to Tell If Food Has Gone Bad
- 4 cited sources
- Content updated 2026-10-26
All 7 detected claims in the English guide have exact source mappings. This automated source comparison is not professional review or a guarantee about an individual food. Claims outside this detector and human review remain separate.
Food can cause illness even when it looks, smells and tastes normal. Suspicious appearance or odor is a reason to discard food; normal senses cannot establish safety. Check storage instructions and handling history. FDA — Storage Basics.
Smell, texture and color
Spoilage may produce an unusual odor or color, a sticky or slimy surface, or visible mold. USDA — Cold Storage Temperatures.
Normal appearance does not show that pathogens are absent. Do not taste food to test its safety. FDA — Storage Basics.
Mold depends on the food
USDA says to discard moldy bread, soft fruits and vegetables, soft cheese, yogurt and cooked leftovers. Contamination can extend below the visible surface. Do not sniff moldy food. USDA — food-handling table.
Hard cheese and some firm produce have different, specifically described trimming rules; intentionally mold-ripened foods have their own exceptions. Do not apply those exceptions to soft foods. Read the exact food row before deciding. USDA — handling food with mold.
Time and temperature still matter
Discard perishable food left at room temperature for more than 2 hours, or 1 hour above 90°F (32°C), even if it appears normal. Keep the refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or below. USDA — Keep Food out of the Danger Zone; FDA.
Check storage instructions
Read the storage instructions on the package. FDA notes that some foods beyond meat, vegetables and dairy also need refrigeration. Keep refrigerated food covered or in sealed storage bags. FDA — Storage Basics / Refrigeration Tips.
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Sources: FDA — Are You Storing Food Safely? , USDA FSIS — How Temperatures Affect Food , USDA FSIS — Molds on Food: Are They Dangerous? , USDA FSIS — Leftovers and Food Safety . Content updated 2026-10-26. See the exact-source coverage above.