Which of the following is a sign of food spoilage?

• A. Off-odours
• B. Packaging date clearly readable
• C. Salt content increase
• D. Temperature stability

Answer: (A)

Off-odours are a practical and reliable sign of spoilage because microorganisms break down food tissues and produce volatile compounds that give noticeable unpleasant smells. This smell cues that the product has undergone microbial changes and may be unsafe to consume. A packaging date being clearly readable is just labeling information and doesn’t indicate spoilage by itself. Salt content increasing isn’t a spoilage indicator; salt is an ingredient and its level doesn’t signal deterioration. Temperature stability isn’t a sign of spoilage either; maintaining the right temperature helps prevent spoilage rather than signaling it.