Food safety at the supermarket

Don't get sick from your supermarket. 

Most of us wouldn’t shop in a grocery store that we didn’t think was safe. But can you assume that your supermarket is as clean as it should be?

We all know that food poisoning is a problem in this country, so what can you do to lower your risk of getting sick? Here are some must-know tips to shop safely at the supermarket-- from buying fresh produce to how to store your groceries quickly and properly. 

• Check dates: Look for "Sell-by" and "Use by" dates on food and select products with the most future date. Much of the time the fresher products are in the back of the shelves. (Supermarkets assume you'll select from the front.) This is especially important when picking bagged greens because they have been through more processing steps, which makes them more susceptible to contamination. 
• Pick "healthy" produce: Skip produce that has bruised or punctured skin. This exposure is an invitation for bacteria! Similarly, avoid partially thawed frozen food. 
• Shopping order is important: Buy refrigerated and frozen food items last. In warm weather, food can start to spoil in just a couple of hours, so make sure you shop for nonperishable products first and then pick up produce, dairy, meat, and frozen foods. Putting perishables in insulated bags or coolers also helps prevent spoilage. 
• Put away your groceries immediately: When grocery shopping, your goal should be to get in and out of the store as quickly as possible. Furthermore, grocery shopping should always be the last errand on your To Do list, so you can put perishables into the refrigerator or freezer immediately.
• Avoid cross-contamination: To avoid cross-contamination, pack similar items together. Pack perishables with frozen non-meat items, which helps keep your groceries cold until you get home. Be sure to keep meats in a plastic grocery bag to separate them from the rest of your groceries. 
• Shopping cart handles are germ heaven: Nasty germs can easily be transfered from a shopping cart handle directly to the foods we select. Most stores now have sanitizing wipes at the store entrance, so be sure to scrub down the handles before shopping.