How can you tell if a food has been contaminated?

Identifying food contamination is crucial for ensuring food safety. The correct choice emphasizes that unusual odor, appearance, or temperature can provide significant indication of potential contamination.

For example, a food product that has an off-putting smell may indicate the growth of harmful bacteria. Similarly, if the appearance seems abnormal—such as discoloration or the presence of a foreign substance—it could suggest spoilage or contamination. Changes in temperature are equally important; food that has been left out at unsafe temperatures can harbor pathogens that lead to foodborne illnesses.

The other options, while they might hint at issues in certain situations, do not reliably identify contaminated food. Unusual packaging could suggest tampering but isn't a definite sign of contamination. Taste testing is an unsafe practice, as consuming contaminated food can lead to serious health risks. Lastly, color alone does not provide enough information to determine safety, as some foods can look perfectly fine even when they are unsafe to eat.