Content Map Terms

Food Safety: Tips for Grocery Shopping

Overview

There are things you can do while shopping to help prevent foodborne illness.

  • Put raw meat, poultry, eggs, fish, and shellfish in separate bags, and do not mix them with other food items.
  • Do not buy meat or poultry that has a tear in the package or is leaking.
  • Pick up your refrigerated and frozen items at the end of your shopping trip, so they are unrefrigerated for a shorter period of time.
  • Drive directly home after finishing so you can store all foods properly. If you have a long drive, consider getting an ice chest for perishable foods.
  • Do not buy canned foods if the cans are dented, leaking, bulging, or rusting.

Credits

Current as of: October 31, 2022

Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
E. Gregory Thompson MD - Internal Medicine
Anne C. Poinier MD - Internal Medicine
Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine
W. David Colby IV MSc, MD, FRCPC - Infectious Disease