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Identifying Ink Treated with Chemicals

Introducing the world of dried squid, an enticing delicacy that often attracts a swarm of pesky flies. But beware, not all squid are created equal - some are devoid of any fly attention, and that's a cause for concern. Join us on a journey to uncover the truth behind these chemical-soaked impostors and protect yourself from a costly and unhealthy mistake.

Administrator

21 July, 2024

## Identifying Dried Squid by Appearance

Visual Identification of Dried Squid

Fresh and safe dried squid has a bright pink color, with an elongated body, and a thin layer of powder covering its back, along with small black spots. The tentacles are curled and firmly attached to the body.

Dried squid soaked in chemicals usually has a dark brown color, with a thick layer of powder that doesn’t adhere well to the body. The tentacles are either straight and uncurled or fall off easily.

Tactile Identification of Dried Squid

Fresh dried squid has elasticity and is chewy, but it has distinct muscle fibers that make it easy to tear. When torn, it comes apart in thin, small strands. Dried squid that has been sun-dried for a day will feel dry to the touch, and the powder will not come off easily when handled.

On the other hand, chemically treated dried squid is very chewy and difficult to tear. It feels slippery and leaves a wet residue on your hands when touched. The powder easily rubs off when handled.

Identifying Dried Squid by Aroma and Taste

Fresh dried squid has a characteristic fishy odor and a tempting aroma when grilled. The meat is sweet and tasty.

Chemically treated dried squid may have a similar odor to fresh squid due to synthetic fragrances, but some varieties have a putrid fishy smell. When grilled, the chemically treated squid lacks aroma, tastes bitter, and is either very chewy or falls apart easily.

Identifying Chemical-Soaked Dried Squid with Flies

When you buy dried squid, leave it on a table or in a well-ventilated area and observe. Fresh dried squid usually emits a strong fishy odor that attracts flies. If the dried squid is pure and fresh, flies will take turns swarming it. If the dried squid is soaked in chemicals, flies will sense the danger and stay away. The chemical used is often the insecticide Trichlorfon, which flies instinctively avoid.

However, this method should only be used for a short period. Once flies appear and swarm the squid, store the squid or sun-dry it again to prevent bacterial contamination from the flies.

The chemicals used to soak dried squid can cause eye bleeding, blindness, kidney failure, and even death. Trichlorfon has been banned by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development since 2009. Let’s boycott chemically treated squid to protect the health of your family and the community.

Frequently asked questions

There are a few tell-tale signs to look out for. Treated ink often has a distinct smell, and the color may appear slightly different to untreated ink. A simple test is to drip a small amount of ink into a cup of water – if it’s treated, the ink will dissolve and turn the water cloudy. Treated ink also tends to be more slippery and less viscous than untreated ink.

There are a number of reasons why someone might treat ink with chemicals. Treating ink with chemicals can enhance certain properties, such as making it more waterproof or fade-resistant. It can also be done to alter the color or viscosity of the ink, or to make it easier to clean up.

Yes, there can be potential health risks associated with using chemically treated ink, particularly if it is not done properly. Inhaling the fumes from certain chemicals used in the treatment process can be dangerous, and skin contact with treated ink should be avoided. It is important to work in a well-ventilated area and wear protective gear when handling such inks.

Always work in a well-ventilated area and wear protective gloves and a mask to avoid inhaling fumes or direct skin contact. Ensure that any treated ink is stored securely and out of reach of children or pets. Wash your hands thoroughly after handling treated ink and before handling food or touching your face.

It is generally not recommended to mix chemically treated ink with untreated ink as it may affect the properties of both. The chemicals used in the treatment process could react unpredictably with the untreated ink, potentially causing issues with color, viscosity, or long-term stability.