1. Read the Bag
Tainted frozen vegetables can be difficult to identify because too often you can't see through the packaging before you purchase the product. Inside, the food is often packed with enough juices and preservatives to easily disguise sour food. Read the labels before you buy frozen foods to see what has been added. When vegetables are flash frozen, they don't need any preservatives to keep them safe for consumption. Consumers of frozen vegetables do not always consider expiration dates. You tend to think that they can last forever. But every package of food has a date on it, after which you begin to risk contamination. When food stays in your freezer too long, it also can exceed its expiration date, so don't stockpile frozen food past the expiration dates.
2. Support Your Homeland Farmers
So much tainted food has come from overseas lately, so it might be good time to consider the source of your frozen vegetables. Imports are supposed to follow the same strict FDA guidelines in their processing and growing, but these restrictions are sometimes difficult to enforce until someone gets sick.
3. Look for Signs of Tainted Food
Tainted food typically has a distinct odor that is somewhat sour. Don't take any chances when you thaw frozen vegetables and notice an unusual or sour smell. Look at the vegetables as you empty them from the package: The color of the vegetables should be natural and even. Tainted food will have a touch of darkness around the edges. If the vegetable is supposed to be green and you see traces of black or white on the edges, get rid of it. Take time to thaw frozen food before preparing it to feel if it is slimy or sticky. While thawed vegetables are often wilted, you do not need to wash them prior to eating.
4. Watch for Food Recalls
You see more food recalls these days than ever. Pay attention to recalls, because frozen food products have been proven to be tainted with salmonella or other toxins. If you find a product in your freezer that is recalled, bring it back to the store for a refund. Stores do not have to take products off their shelves until they receive an official notification of a recall, even if rumors are circulating on the news. Don't take any chances if you even think a brand may have been recalled.
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