Safe Seafood & Fish Handling: Identifying & Discarding Unfit Products

* Fresh fish should be firm to the touch and have bright red gills.

* Frozen fish should be solid and free of ice crystals.

* Canned fish should not be bulging or leaking.

* Smoked fish should have a firm texture and a smoky smell.

* Shellfish should be alive and moving when purchased.

* Cooked fish should be opaque and flake easily with a fork.

* If you are unsure about the quality of fish or seafood, it is best to err on the side of caution and discard it.

Other products

* Meat should be firm to the touch and have a bright red color.

* Frozen meat should be solid and free of ice crystals.

* Packaged meat should not be leaking or bulging.

* Milk should be white and opaque.

* Yogurt should be firm and smooth.

* Cheese should be firm and not moldy.

* Eggs should have clean, unbroken shells.

* Bread should be soft and fluffy.

* Fruits and vegetables should be firm and free of bruises or rot.

* If you are unsure about the quality of a food product, it is best to err on the side of caution and discard it.

How to dispose of food that is not fit for use?

* Food scraps can be composted.

* Meat, fish, and poultry should be wrapped in plastic bags and thrown in the trash.

* Dairy products should be poured down the drain.

* Eggs should be cracked open and the contents poured into the trash.

* Bread should be torn into small pieces and thrown in the trash.

* Fruits and vegetables should be cut into small pieces and thrown in the trash.

* Food scraps can also be fed to animals, such as chickens or pigs.