When purchasing seafood, make sure it is well-packed in ice and that packages are tightly sealed and free of dents and tears. You should avoid packages containing ice crystals. This is a sign that the seafood has previously been thawed.
5. Expiration Dates
These dates are important and should not be ignored. Perishable foods have a “sell by” and “use by” date. If the “sell by” date has passed, you should not buy the product. The “use by” date applies to the date you should use the food at home, so make sure you will be able to eat the food within that time frame before purchasing.
Bonus
One thing to look out for that the grocery store can’t take the blame for is reusable bags. Remember to sanitize and wash reusable bags in between uses. Between the poultry drippings, leaking milk, left–behind produce, etc., reusable bags can easily become one of the germiest places you’ll come in contact with at the grocery store if you aren’t cleaning them correctly.
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Food Safety Tips For Grocery Shopping
In addition to inspecting your food and produce before purchasing it, it is also equally important that you properly clean, sanitize and store your food when you get home to prevent foodborne illness. Follow these important safety tips:
- Before eating, rinse fresh fruits and vegetables under running tap water, including those with skins and rinds that are not eaten. Scrub firm produce with a clean produce brush. For canned goods, remember to clean lids before opening.
- When unpacking groceries, refrigerate or freeze meat, poultry, eggs, seafood, and other perishables—like berries, lettuce, herbs, and mushrooms—within 2 hours of purchasing.
- Regularly clean and sanitize kitchen counters using a commercially available disinfectant product or a DIY sanitizing solution with 5 tablespoons (1/3rd cup) unscented liquid chlorine bleach to 1 gallon of water or 4 teaspoons of bleach per quart of water. WARNING: Do not use this solution or other disinfecting products on food.
- Always keep in mind the basic 4 food safety steps — Clean, Separate, Cook, and Chill.
You should also avoid any grocery stores that aren’t taking the appropriate measures to follow COVID-19 safety guidelines and organize your list to get the frozen and refrigerated items last. This keeps them “unrefrigerated” for the least amount of time.
If you live more than an hour from the grocery store, NSF International advises consumers to pack raw meat in a cooler and keep the cooler in the passenger area of the car during warm weather.
Lastly, in the wake of COVID, be sure to wash your hands as soon as you get home to ditch those germs and protect yourself and your family.
