Learn How to Identify Fresh Ink versus Chemically Soaked Ink to Protect Your Health

Recently, VTV’s 24H News program reported that a seafood store at Long Bien market in Hanoi was caught using bleaching agents to turn rotten squid into white ones.

Before authorities could intervene, a ton of chemically treated squid had already been sold on the market. This is a concerning issue that could have severe health consequences.

In this article, we will provide you with guidance on how to differentiate between fresh squid and squid soaked in chemicals. It is crucial to be vigilant and avoid consuming contaminated seafood.

How to Identify Squid Soaked in Chemicals

1. Color: Chemically soaked squid is milky white

The easiest way to distinguish between fresh squid and squid soaked in chemicals is to observe the color. Fresh squid is white, while squid soaked in chemicals appears milky white.

2. Squid Pouch: Chemically soaked squid will no longer have an intact pouch

Before examining the squid pouch, pay attention to the fins, body, and the skin layer covering the body.

For fresh squid:

• The outer layer of skin is intact
• The fins are firmly attached to the body
• The body has a certain hardness, noticeable when lightly squeezed
• The fins have a bright, pink color
• The squid still has an intact pouch without any breakages

For squid soaked in chemicals:

• The squid feels soft when touched
• The body, fins, and skin layer are weak
• The pouch is also compromised

3. Smell: Chemically treated squid lacks its characteristic smell

Good quality seafood should possess a distinct smell and saltiness. Despite wearing masks in public, you can briefly pull down your mask to check if the squid has a fishy smell or not.

Squid that has been soaked in chemicals will no longer have its natural fishy smell. Instead, it may have a strange odor resembling chlorine or stale oxygen.

4. Texture: Chemically treated squid becomes soft and mushy when soaked in water

To ensure the freshness of the squid you have purchased, wash it thoroughly and soak it in lukewarm water for about 10 minutes. Fresh squid will maintain its shine and firm texture after soaking.

However, squid that has been soaked in chemicals will become soft and mushy when soaked in water for the same duration.

By following these guidelines, you can avoid purchasing low-quality or chemically soaked squid. If you have any doubts about the freshness or quality of the squid, it is advisable to discard it rather than consume it to prevent any potential illnesses.

Please do not hesitate to discard it, as your health is more important than the monetary value of the product.

If you have bought fresh squid, you can find delicious recipes using squid HERE!