Recently, VTV’s 24H News program reported that a seafood store at Long Bien market in Hanoi was caught using bleaching agents to turn rotten squid into white ones.
Before authorities could intervene, a ton of chemically treated squid had already been sold on the market. This is a concerning issue that could have severe health consequences.
In this article, we will provide you with guidance on how to differentiate between fresh squid and squid soaked in chemicals. It is crucial to be vigilant and avoid consuming contaminated seafood.
Fresh squid (illustrative image)
How to Identify Squid Soaked in Chemicals
1. Color: Chemically soaked squid is milky white
The easiest way to distinguish between fresh squid and squid soaked in chemicals is to observe the color. Fresh squid is white, while squid soaked in chemicals appears milky white.
On the left is squid soaked in chemicals, on the right is fresh squid (illustrative image)
2. Squid Pouch: Chemically soaked squid will no longer have an intact pouch
Before examining the squid pouch, pay attention to the fins, body, and the skin layer covering the body.
For fresh squid:
- The outer layer of skin is intact
- The fins are firmly attached to the body
- The body has a certain hardness, noticeable when lightly squeezed
- The fins have a bright, pink color
- The squid still has an intact pouch without any breakages
The squid still has an intact layer of skin, and the body has a slight shine.
For squid soaked in chemicals:
- The squid feels soft when touched
- The body, fins, and skin layer are weak
- The pouch is also compromised
Squid soaked in chemicals will not have a shiny skin layer.
3. Smell: Chemically treated squid lacks its characteristic smell
Good quality seafood should possess a distinct smell and saltiness. Despite wearing masks in public, you can briefly pull down your mask to check if the squid has a fishy smell or not.
Squid that has been soaked in chemicals will no longer have its natural fishy smell. Instead, it may have a strange odor resembling chlorine or stale oxygen.
4. Texture: Chemically treated squid becomes soft and mushy when soaked in water
To ensure the freshness of the squid you have purchased, wash it thoroughly and soak it in lukewarm water for about 10 minutes. Fresh squid will maintain its shine and firm texture after soaking.
However, squid that has been soaked in chemicals will become soft and mushy when soaked in water for the same duration.
“Fresh” squid becomes soft after soaking in lukewarm water, indicating it is no longer fresh!
By following these guidelines, you can avoid purchasing low-quality or chemically soaked squid. If you have any doubts about the freshness or quality of the squid, it is advisable to discard it rather than consume it to prevent any potential illnesses.
Please do not hesitate to discard it, as your health is more important than the monetary value of the product.
If you have bought fresh squid, you can find delicious recipes using squid HERE!
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