Food & Receipts

Recognizing Chemically Dyed Dried Beef: A Guide

Consumers should be aware of the potential dangers of consuming certain types of dried beef, such as those dyed with artificial coloring and treated with chemicals, as it has been associated with numerous cases of food poisoning. Knowing how to differentiate between genuine and fake dried beef can help to avoid such risks.

Administrator

3 September, 2023

209

How to Identify Real Dried Beef from Fake Dried Beef

Based on Color

Based on color
Real dried beef usually has a dark yellow color, especially after drying or roasting. The darker the color, the more vivid the meat color, and it is considered fresh and beautiful.

Fake dried beef (made from pork, chicken, etc.) typically has a bright yellow color that catches the eye.

Based on Taste

Real dried beef has a distinct beefy taste when eaten. The meat is chewy and has a subtle sweetness, providing an authentic meat flavor. In contrast, fake dried beef uses flavorings to deceive the taste buds. The spices overpower the meat’s natural smell, and the texture is less chewy, lacking the fibrous texture that real dried beef has.

Tenderness of the Meat

Real dried beef has firm and difficult-to-tear meat fibers. When rubbing the meat with hands, there are no chemical stains left behind. On the other hand, fake dried beef has unclear meat fibers that may be fluffy, sticky, or clumped together. It might even have an unpleasant smell. Rubbing this type of dried beef on hands will easily reveal the remaining powder on the skin.

Shelf Life

Real dried beef without preservatives usually has a short shelf life of about 15 – 20 days. It needs to be refrigerated to maintain its quality and prevent a foul smell from developing. If you come across dried beef that has been stored at room temperature for a long time without any change in quality, it is likely that food preservatives are being used. Consumers should choose products with clear labeling and origin information, ensuring that the chemicals used are safe.

Price

Real dried beef is usually more expensive because it requires about 3 kg of fresh beef to produce 1 kg of dried beef. Therefore, the price of real dried beef tends to be high. If you come across dried beef with prices ranging from 200,000 – 500,000 VND, it is highly likely that it is fake dried beef made from pork. It is important to understand that high-quality food cannot be bought at very low prices. Consumers should consider the price level along with the quality when purchasing dried beef.