Signs of potentially unsafe food
Often food that can make us sick may still look, smell and taste normal, particularly if it has not been stored correctly.
What is potentially unsafe food?
Potentially unsafe food, is food that:
- has an expired 'use by' date
- does not look, smell or taste as it should
- has opened or damaged packaging
- has a plastic seal that has been removed or damaged from around the outside of a container
- has a safety button that is up on the lid of a jar or bottle
- looks damaged or different to other containers of the same food
- looks unusual (e.g. cans that are leaking or bulge at the ends, products that appear to have been thawed and then refrozen)
Note: ‘best before’ dates are a guide to the quality of food. Food can be sold and eaten after the 'best before' date has passed.
Remember: If in doubt, throw it out!
How to avoid potentially unsafe food
Do
- check the 'use by' date of food
- check food packaging
- if in doubt, throw it out
Do not
- buy or eat food past the ‘use by’ date
- eat food that does not look, smell or taste as it should
- eat food from opened or damaged packaging
Report a food safety issue
If you have a concern about a food product or a food business, you can use our online form to make a food safety complaint. If you would like to speak directly with the agency responsible for monitoring and enforcing food laws, see roles and responsibilities.