Food safety when shopping & eating out
UK regulation ensure that all sectors of the food chain provide food that is safe to eat. The consumer is the final link of the food chain. The first steps to ensure food safety in the home kitchen start when shopping for food.
● Avoid damaged tins or food packaging. The loss of modified atmosphere from ready-to-eat food packaging encourages bacterial growth or the introduction of air to tinned foods can encourage botulism growth which is not destroyed by cooking.
● Food products displayed in open salad counters are at an increased risk of becoming contaminated by bacteria, therefore it is best to avoid purchasing such food products
● Check ‘use-by’ dates on foods, the indicator of safety is based on bacterial growth ability.
● Ensure food products are not subjected to storage temperatures exceeding recommendations (5˚C) that can encourage bacterial growth:
→ Pick up chilled and frozen food last before going to the checkout.
→ Ensure that chilled food products feel cold in the store.
→ Pack chilled and frozen items together in a an insulated cool bag/box.
→ After returning home, ensure foods are placed refrigerated/frozen immediately.
● Avoid cross-contamination from bacteria on packaging of raw meat/poultry by:
→ separating raw meat in the trolley or shopping bags from ready-to-eat food, fruits and vegetables
→ ensure that hands are washed after handling raw meat and poultry packaging
It is also essential to ensure food safety when eating out:
● Choose to eat at reputable food establishments by looking out for food safety inspection results displayed on premises, or check online: http://ratings.food.gov.uk/
● Select freshly prepared foods and avoid salad bars, buffet food and market/street vendors.
● Order from a menu to minimise risk. Avoid ‘risky foods’.
● Enquire how dishes are cooked or contain uncooked or lightly cooked ingredients including meat and poultry, fish and eggs. Ask for foods to be cooked thoroughly
● Ensure that hot foods are served steaming hot and that chilled foods are served cold. This will indicate if foods have been removed from the refrigerator too far in advance or not freshly cooked to order.
● Avoid ice in drinks when eating out as ice-making machines can be contaminated with bacteria if the water supply pipes are not regularly and sufficiently cleaned.
