Food safety when shopping

Shopping is the first stage where you can take responsibility for food safety. 

Unless it's transported carefully food can become contaminated and pathogens can grow to dangerous levels.

All food retailers and food producers have a responsibility to provide you with safe food. But there are things you can look out for to ensure that the food you buy is safe.

Check products carefully for any signs of damaged packaging:

  • dented cans
  • leaking cartons, cans, bottles or containers
  • torn or ripped packaging
  • swollen chilled food packages and cans
  • cracked eggs
  • broken or imperfect seals
  • dairy products and other chilled or frozen foods left out of refrigerators
  • products in loose vacuum packs.

Never buy such products. They may be contaminated with dangerous levels of bacteria. Report such findings to the store manager.

  • If you return home and find some evidence of tampering or damaged packing - return the product to the store or call the manufacturer.
  • Always check the date mark on foods, especially foods with a short shelf life such as dairy products.
  • Don't buy products that are overloaded in a supermarket fridge and/or freezer.
  • When buying food from the deli counter, ensure staff use separate tongs for each food type.
  • Try not to overload your trolley - this can result in damaged packaging.
  • Ask the packer or retailer to pack raw meats in a separate bag from other products - this prevents juices from cross-contaminating other products.
  • Always go straight home. Do not leave your groceries in a hot car. If you are travelling long distances (over 30 minutes), place your chilled and frozen products in a chilly bin for the trip home.
  • When you arrive home, immediately pack chilled and frozen products into your fridge or freezer.

  

Self-service salad bars

Self-service salad bars are becoming more popular in supermarkets. These convenience type foods are great for the busy person. A few simple rules below will help you enjoy these foods safely.

  • Each salad has its own utensil. Use the one that is allocated to the item and don't mix the serving utensils. Only hold the utensil by the handle.
  • Eat food purchased from salad bars within 48 hours.
  • Check instructions provided by the supermarket on how to use the self-service area in a hygienic manner.
  • Always remember that other people will use the bar, so never touch the food with your hands and do not taste the foods. If you can see anyone handling the food, report it to a staff member.