Vegetables are living organisms, and their growth processes continue after they are harvested. This can lead to a variety of physical, chemical, and microbiological changes in the produce, ultimately leading to spoilage.

There are a few reasons why tofu can spoil, including poor storage conditions, bacterial growth, and mold growth.

Did you know that the protective coating on an egg is called a bloom? This coating helps to prevent contamination and keep the egg fresh for longer. However, the bloom can be easily removed through washing or handling, leaving the egg vulnerable to bacteria such as salmonella.

Yogurt is a popular and healthy food item enjoyed by millions of people worldwide. However, like all perishable foods, yogurt can go bad and become unsafe to eat. Consuming spoiled yogurt can lead to a host of health problems, such as diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach cramps.

Cheese spoilage can occur due to various factors, including bacterial or mold growth, temperature fluctuations, and improper packaging.

The two main factors contributing to bread spoilage are moisture and temperature. Bread left at room temperature in a humid environment for too long will quickly spoil. The moisture in the air provides the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and mold.

Milk spoils when bacteria that naturally occur in milk grow out of control, causing the milk to sour and curdle. While most milk spoilage is caused by bacteria, it can also be affected by other factors like exposure to light and air.

Some oils can be recycled, and by separating them from other waste oil, you can help decrease the amount of waste that enters our landfills. For example, vegetable oil and other cooking oils can be recycled into biodiesel fuel or as a form of energy.

The most obvious sign that your jar of peanut butter has gone bad is discoloration or mold. Look for any dark spots or mold growing on top of the peanut butter; if it's in solid form, it's best to discard. In some cases, you might also find that it has a rancid, sour, or stale smell.

The most common signs of spoilage in salmon are a slimy texture, a strong fishy odor, and discoloration. If your salmon has any of these signs, it is best to discard it. Additionally, if the salmon has been frozen, it is important to check for ice crystals, as this can indicate that the salmon has been thawed and refrozen, which can cause it to spoil.

Rancid bacon has a strong, unpleasant odor. If it smells sour, vinegar-like, or otherwise off, it is likely spoiled. You may also notice a change in texture and color. Spoiled bacon will be slimy to the touch and will have a dark grey or green hue. Bacon should always be a pinkish-red hue.

Several factors can cause fish to spoil, including bacterial growth, chemical oxidation, and enzymatic reactions. Bacterial growth is the primary cause of fish spoilage, and it occurs when bacteria start to multiply rapidly in fish tissue.

Beef can spoil due to a variety of factors, including bacterial growth, chemical changes, or physical damage.

When chicken starts to go bad, bacteria begin to grow, causing the meat to break down and produce an array of unpleasant odors and flavors. Additionally, the texture of the chicken may change, becoming slimy, sticky, or gummy.

Food expiration dates are a way of informing consumers when food products will no longer be at their best quality. Different foods have different expiration dates, and understanding how to properly read these dates is an important part of ensuring that your food is safe to eat.

To help debunk common food safety myths, here’s a comprehensive list of best practices when it comes to refrigeration, expiration dates, and other food-related topics.

The most common sign of food spoilage for fruits and vegetables is a change in color. When examining dairy products, meats and poultry, signs of spoilage may include a change in texture, an off-odor, or an off-taste.