What visual cue on raw chicken packaging often signals excessive treatment or older meat?
Answer
Excessive or milky-looking fluid pooling at the bottom of the tray
Assessing the freshness and treatment of raw poultry can be done by observing the liquid accumulation in the bottom of the packaging tray. While some level of clear liquid is expected and normal as meat rests, excessive pooling is cause for suspicion. Specifically, fluid that appears milky or cloudy often suggests the meat is older or has been heavily treated with phosphates or other agents specifically designed to force the meat to retain water far beyond its natural capacity. This excessive moisture retention signals lower initial quality and compromises texture.
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