Food Safety While Shopping
Buying dairy products
When buying dairy products, make sure that the packaging of all dairy products is intact, and always check for the expiry dates. Select only those with packages that are intact.
- Buy only the required amount of dairy products that you can consume. Dairy products have limited shelf life and should be consumed within the suggested "Use-By" date.
- Only purchase dairy products that are properly displayed in the chillers. Chillers should be maintained at below 4°C.
Buying canned and packaged food
- Examine canned food carefully. Do not buy if the cans are rusty, dented or swollen. They might have quality defects and could also cause food poisoning.
- Examine packaged food carefully. Do not buy if the packaging is damaged or opened as they may contain harmful microorganisms that could cause food poisoning.
- Do not buy mouldy dried food. They may contain harmful mycotoxins.
- Ensure that the seals of bottled goods are not broken. The contents may have been exposed to harmful bacteria.
Be a considerate shopper
- Do not take chilled or frozen raw food from chillers/freezers and leave them lying on shelves elsewhere within the supermarket. This compromises the safety and quality of the food.
- If you wish to put back a chilled or frozen item, ensure that it is placed below the load line in the freezer or chiller.
- Do not open jars or bottles of food to smell or taste their contents. Once opened, the food is exposed to contamination.
- Do not leave the door of display fridges open while you take your time to select food items. This affects the optimal storage temperature of the display unit. Do try to make up your mind before you open the fridge, take the item out and close the door quickly.
- Do not pierce fruit with your fingernails to test for freshness. This makes it possible for bacteria to enter the fruit.
After shopping
- Return home directly after your shopping. You may want to bring insulated containers/cooler bags complete with ice or ice packs for the storage of chilled, frozen and other perishable food when you go shopping.
- Do not store chilled and frozen food directly in the boot of the car as the heat may cause the food to go bad.
