In the daily diet of Vietnamese people, shrimp and fish are familiar and nutritious food sources.
Here are some signs of unsafe seafood that consumers should be aware of:
1. Shrimp and fish with unusually bright or abnormal colors
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Shrimp: If the shrimp has an abnormal pinkish-red color (whether alive or dead) or its shell is unusually shiny and eye-catching, it may have been dyed with industrial colors or injected with chemicals to fake freshness.
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Fish: The skin of fresh fish will have a natural sheen but not an abnormally bright color. If the fish is too bright, and its eyes are cloudy or pale instead of clear, avoid it completely.
Warning: Artificial colors and chemicals in food can cause poisoning and overwork the liver and kidneys, leading to long-term organ failure.
2. Shrimp and fish with soft, mushy meat that sinks in when pressed
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When buying shrimp and fish, gently press on the fish’s body or the shrimp’s body with your finger:
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If the meat feels soft and mushy, lacks elasticity, and sinks deeply when pressed, it is a sign that the seafood is spoiled.
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Shrimp injected with water or chemicals will have abnormally swollen bodies and will feel slippery when touched.
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Note: Shrimp and fish injected with water not only lose their delicious taste but also pose a high risk of bacterial and food poisoning.
3. Unusual odors, strong fishy smells, or chemical odors
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Fresh shrimp and fish naturally have a mild characteristic odor of the sea or freshwater.
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If the seafood has a strong, unpleasant fishy or chemical smell, such as bleach, it has definitely been treated with chemicals, and you should not buy it.
Note: Harmful preservatives directly damage liver cells and, over time, can lead to dangerous diseases such as hepatitis and liver cancer.
4. Fish gills are abnormally black, and a thick layer of mucus is present
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Fish gills are a good indicator of the fish’s freshness:
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Fresh fish: The gills are bright red or light pink.
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Spoiled or chemically treated fish: The gills turn dark brown, gray, or black and are coated with a thick layer of mucus.
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Tip: If you want to do a quick check, gently touch the fish’s gills. If they feel slimy and have an odd smell, it’s best to avoid that fish.
5. Shrimp and fish that have been displayed for too long in the market
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Even if they look fresh on the outside, shrimp and fish that have been left out in the open, especially under the sun, are prone to bacterial contamination.
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Some vendors also use ice to refreeze spoiled seafood, deceiving buyers with their appearance.
Shrimp and fish are nutritious foods, but consuming contaminated seafood can affect not only the digestive system but also cause severe damage to the liver and kidneys, the body’s main detoxifying organs. By being vigilant and recognizing these abnormal signs when shopping, you can effectively protect your family’s health.
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