What indicates that frozen food may not be safe to use?

The presence of ice crystals on frozen food is a key indicator that the food may not be safe to use. Ice crystals can form when food has been partially thawed and then refrozen, which can compromise the safety and quality of the food. This process may indicate that the food has been stored improperly or has gone through temperature fluctuations, increasing the risk of bacterial growth. When food is frozen and remains at a consistent temperature, it should not develop ice crystals, making this a crucial sign to evaluate the safety of the food.

Bright packaging, clear labeling, and calculated expiration dates do not provide reliable indicators of a frozen food's safety. While these factors may influence the perceived quality or freshness of the food, they do not necessarily reflect the conditions under which the food has been stored or whether it has been compromised in terms of safety.