## 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.