What steps can shoppers take to maintain the safety of perishable foods?
• Pick up perishable items, such as milk and milk products, meat, seafood and eggs just before you check out to help them stay cold. • Don’t buy if the “sell-by” or “use-by” date has expired. • The “sell-by” date tells how long the product should be on the shelf. • The “use-by” date will tell you how long the product will retain its top quality after you buy it. • Check the package. Check the safety seals on milk, yogurt and cheese to be sure they are securely sealed. Frozen foods should be solid and shouldn’t show signs of thawing. Refrigerated foods should feel cold. Packages should not be torn, have holes or open seams. • Bag all frozen and refrigerated items together to help them stay cold longer. Put all raw meat, poultry and seafood, preferably in a separate plastic bag, to keep them from leaking on other foods. • Take groceries home immediately and store them at the proper temperature right away. During warmer weather or longer trips, bring a cooler and chip packs for perishable
