What is one common sign of food contamination?

Unusual odors or discoloration are clear indicators of food contamination. When food is contaminated, it may develop a specific smell that deviates from its normal aromatic characteristics, often signaling the presence of bacteria or spoilage. Additionally, discoloration can occur due to microbial growth or chemical changes, which also indicates that the food is no longer safe to consume. Recognizing these signs is crucial for maintaining food safety and preventing foodborne illnesses.

Brightly colored labels, while they may enhance the appeal or help identify the content of a product, do not provide any indication of the food's safety or potential contamination. Food stored in the original packaging is usually a sign of proper food handling and storage practices, aimed at protecting food from contamination. Fresh herbs on the counter, although needing to be handled properly, do not inherently indicate contamination without additional evidence such as strange odors or visual changes.