Tips

Distinguishing Fresh Natural Seafood from Chemically Preserved Seafood

Not all families can afford to buy fresh produce every day, especially seafood. As a result, some fishermen or fish sellers have resorted to treating seafood with chemicals to preserve its freshness. This practice is extremely harmful to human health. So, how can one distinguish between naturally fresh seafood and chemically treated seafood?

Administrator

9 August, 2024

Distinguishing Fresh and Chemically Treated Seafood

Distinguishing fresh, natural seafood from chemically treated seafood can be challenging as the treatment methods have become increasingly sophisticated, easily deceiving consumers. The fish may appear to have shiny, sparkling scales, a plump body, and clear eyes, but their flesh could be laden with harmful chemicals. When cooked, the fish emits an unpleasant, putrid smell and affects human health.

Let’s take a look at the comparison table below to identify the key differences between fresh, natural seafood and chemically treated seafood!

Fresh, Natural Seafood	Chemically Treated Seafood
Gills	Pinkish-red with mucus and sometimes blood. Sticks firmly to the gill rakers.	Pinkish-red but without mucus, and with a putrid or foul odor. Does not stick to the gill rakers.
Eyes	Clear, smooth, and taut.	Still smooth and taut but cloudy in appearance.
Body	Elastic and bouncy, leaving no indentation when pressed. The body is still slimy.	Lacks elasticity, feeling stiff and tight. It is difficult to press your finger into the flesh. The skin is usually dry and not slimy.
When Cut Open	Firm flesh with fresh blood oozing from the spine. Some species, like tuna and mackerel, will have bright red blood on the meat and bones when cut.	Purple or bruised-looking flesh, with no blood or dark, bruised blood.
Smell and Taste	Has the characteristic briny smell of seafood. When cooked, it tastes delicious and has a firm texture.	Foul and putrid odor. When cooked, the flesh tends to fall apart, turning soft and mushy, and emitting an unpleasant smell.

What to Do If You’ve Bought Chemically Treated Seafood?

If you’ve accidentally purchased chemically treated seafood, it is important to immediately discard the head and intestines, as these parts contain toxic substances from the chemicals used. By removing these parts, you can minimize the risk of ingesting harmful toxins.

Where to Buy Seafood with Confidence?

Ideally, it is best to purchase seafood directly from coastal markets, especially in the early morning when the catch is fresh off the boats.

We wish you wise choices, and don’t forget to share your own tips for choosing seafood in the comments below!

Frequently asked questions

Fresh and natural seafood will have a bright, vibrant color, a fresh sea-like scent, a firm texture, and a natural glistening appearance. Chemically preserved seafood may have an unnatural color, a strong chemical smell, a mushy texture, and a slimy surface.

Look for bright, clear eyes that are slightly bulging. Gills should be a vibrant red or pink, and when pressed, should spring back quickly. The flesh should be firm and springy to the touch, and the seafood should be free of any slimy residue or strong odors.

Consuming seafood that has been treated with chemicals can lead to serious health issues. These chemicals are often used to hide the signs of old or decaying seafood, and can cause food poisoning, allergic reactions, and in some cases, even cancer.

Frozen seafood should also have clear, bright eyes and firm flesh. Check the packaging for any signs of frost or ice crystals, as this indicates that the seafood has been frozen and thawed multiple times, reducing its quality. Also, ensure there is no ammonia-like smell, which indicates the presence of bacteria.

Sodium tripolyphosphate (STP) is commonly used to preserve seafood, and it gives a shiny appearance and extends shelf life. However, it also adds water weight and reduces the natural flavor. Sulfites are another preservative, often used on shrimp, which can cause allergic reactions in some people. These chemicals can have detrimental effects on our health, so it’s important to be aware and choose natural, fresh seafood where possible.