Tiếng Việt
ไทยDried squid is one of the specialty dishes loved by many for its rich, delicious flavor and ease of preparation. However, in today’s market, the issue of fake dried squid is becoming increasingly common, causing concern for consumers. So, how can we distinguish real dried squid from fake dried squid to protect our health? Let’s explore the details and recommended places to buy quality dried squid at Ola Squid in this article!
1. What is fake dried squid?
Fake dried squid is a low-quality product that has been treated with chemicals and preservatives to deceive consumers about its appearance and taste, making it resemble real squid. In many cases, it is produced from cheap raw materials like cellulose, soft rubber, or chemical powder, then molded and seasoned with chemical flavorings and aromatics to create a sensation similar to real squid when seen or smelled.
Visually, fake squid looks very similar to real squid with a long body, a white powdery coating, and a dark brown color. However, when grilled, it does not emit the characteristic appetizing aroma of squid; instead, it produces a burnt, acrid smell, sometimes like burning plastic or a slightly bitter taste.
Furthermore, because it is mass-produced at a very low cost, fake dried squid is often priced at half or less than real squid, leading many consumers to be deceived by the low price. However, behind the real-like appearance lie serious potential risks to consumer health if not careful and discerning in their choices.
2. Types of fake squid on the market
The current market sees many types of fake squid openly sold, with increasingly sophisticated appearances aimed at deceiving consumers. Here are some common types of fake dried squid you need to be aware of to avoid mistakenly purchasing them:
* Rubber fake squid: This is the most prevalent type of fake dried squid, molded from soft rubber, possessing elasticity similar to real squid. The exterior is coated with powder and artificially flavored to trick the eyes and nose. However, when grilled, it often emits an acrid, burnt smell like melting plastic.
* Mixed and chemically treated squid: This type is made from cellulose, nylon fibers, mixed with shredded meat or animal innards, then pressed into squid shapes, dried, and seasoned with flavorings and food coloring for concealment. When torn apart, the muscle fibers resemble real meat, easily deceiving many if not examined closely.
* Fake shredded squid: Some shredded squid products sold widely, such as tamarind-flavored shredded squid or coconut milk-braised squid, are actually fake shredded dried squid, primarily made from nylon combined with powders, additives, and colorants. Their extremely low selling price, just tens of thousands per kilogram, makes them an easily mistaken choice for the real product if only looking at the packaging.
These types of squid are often sold mixed together in markets, roadside stalls, or shops with unclear origins at abnormally low prices compared to the market.
3. How to distinguish fake dried squid from real dried squid
To avoid mistakenly buying fake squid, you can refer to the detailed comparison table below to apply some identification methods based on the following criteria:
| Criterion | Real Dried Squid | Fake Dried Squid |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Higher, usually from $20 – $48 per kg depending on type | Very cheap, only $3 – $12 per kg |
| Appearance | Natural light pink color, thin white powder coating, straight and plump body | Dark, dull brown color, bent or uneven shape, mottled and inconsistent color |
| Tentacles | Naturally curved, soft, distinct tentacles | Stiff, contorted tentacles, often a different color from the body |
| Eyes and Tail | Clear eyes, visible ink sac | Cloudy or fake eyes, tail may be glued, easily peels off |
| Smell When Grilled | Characteristic squid aroma, lightly sweet and appetizing | Burnt, acrid smell like plastic or rubber; burns easily and may bubble when heated |
| Meat Texture | When torn, fibers are fluffy, chewy, and firm | Meat is flat, smooth, rubbery; torn fibers are mushy or stretch like strings |
| Outer Membrane | Thin white powder layer, flakes off easily when rubbed | Thick or uneven powder layer, dissolves in water leaving a slimy surface |
| Soaking in Water | Retains shape and color, does not change much | Color fades, powder dissolves, revealing plastic or nylon-like texture |
| Touch and Feel | Moderately soft, natural elasticity | Too stiff or overly elastic, feels artificial when squeezed |
4. Dangers of consuming fake dried squid
Consuming fake dried squid can pose significant risks to health. Most fake dried squid products on the market today contain no nutritional value and can even cause serious harm to the body if consumed long-term.
Some types of fake dried squid may be made from cellulose – a substance permitted in the food industry. However, cellulose is merely indigestible fiber; consuming too much can lead to indigestion and bloating. The concerning aspect is that very few fake dried squid products on the market are produced according to food safety standards, and the actual ingredients are often difficult to control.
Additionally, fake dried squid can be made from rubber, synthetic plastic, nylon, or plasticizers – materials not intended for food consumption and can lead to various consequences such as poisoning, digestive disorders, liver and kidney damage, and even an increased risk of cancer if accumulated over time.
Furthermore, the production process for fake squid often lacks strict supervision, posing risks of contamination with harmful chemicals, toxic colorants, and pathogens. Therefore, you should stay away from products of unknown origin with unusually low prices and prioritize choosing food from reputable sources to protect your family’s health.
5. Purchase authentic, quality dried squid at Ola Squid
If you are looking for a reputable place to buy high-quality dried squid, Ola Squid is a trustworthy choice. Products here are meticulously selected from pristine seas like Phu Quoc and Phan Thiet – areas renowned for the freshest and most delicious squid in the country. The squid are caught at night and processed according to food safety regulations to ensure natural sweetness and preserve their characteristic flavor.
Ola Squid is committed to providing 100% real squid, free from preservatives or artificial coloring, and says no to fake or low-quality squid. Each squid is large, with thick, chewy, and sweet meat, conveniently vacuum-sealed, suitable for both personal consumption and gifting.
With export-standard quality, Ola Squid’s dried squid products are available in many markets such as Thailand and China. Moreover, when purchasing in large quantities, customers receive attractive preferential prices and nationwide delivery services.
We hope that the information shared about fake squid above has helped you recognize and distinguish fake dried squid from real dried squid. With the rampant issue of fake squid in the market, choose a reputable supplier to ensure your health and safety. If you are looking for delicious, high-quality real dried squid, contact Ola Squid immediately via hotline 0989.616.989. You can be completely assured of the quality, safety, and authentic delicious flavor of dried squid when ordering from us.
