Which of the following is a sign that food may be unsafe to eat?

Food packaging plays a crucial role in maintaining food safety and quality. When packaging has tears, it compromises the integrity of the barrier that protects the food. This can allow contaminants, moisture, and air to enter, potentially leading to spoilage or contamination of the food inside. A torn package may not provide the necessary sealing to keep the food safe from bacterial growth or other foodborne hazards.

Bright colors, while visually appealing, do not indicate the safety of food. They may be a result of natural or artificial coloring and do not affect the safety. Labels with nutrition facts are a requirement for regulated food products; their presence suggests the product is marketed for consumption but does not provide information on safety. Food that is dried can be a safe preservation method if done correctly; the drying process inhibits bacterial growth, but it is not an inherently unsafe indicator. Thus, the presence of tears in packaging distinctly signals a potential risk to food safety.