it starts at the store

There are things called foodborne illnesses. We may think that it starts at home after we get the food; but actually, it all starts at the supermarket. Here are some tips provided by the trusty, everydayHEALTH.com Web site.

1. Observe the cleanliness of the store: Try to buy from a store that looks clean and knows how to properly handle their foods.

2. Separate foods: Keep raw meat, seafood, poultry away from other foods. It's suggested that you keep them in separate plastic bags so that no juices drip on other food.

3. Look at the cans & jars: Don't buy any cans that are bulging or dented..or jars that are cracked, loose or bulgy. no no.
Foods that are in jars and cans are "sterile" and can last a while. Anytime there is any damage to the can or jar can mean the foods have been contaminated or the food was under processed.

4. Inspect frozen foods: Make sure the frozen foods are not icy or have frost on them, if so look again for another bag. The frost means that the foods been there for a while. The bags shouldn't be torn, crushed or damaged.

5. save your frozens and perishables for last: Keep 'em in a bag so no dripping takes place. Meats, poulty, etc should be selected last.

6. Look at your eggs carefully: Be sure eggs are clean and not cracked. There are also instructions on the container to follow if you want.

7. Temperature & time:" It's important to refrigerate perishable products as soon as possible after grocery shopping. Food safety experts stress the "2-hour rule"—because harmful bacteria can multiply in the "danger zone" (between 40° and 140° F), perishable foods should not be left at room temperature longer than 2 hours. Modify that rule to 1 hour when temperatures are above 90° F, as they often are in cars that have been parked in the sun. If it will take more than an hour to get your groceries home, use an ice chest to keep frozen and perishable foods cold. Also, when the weather is warm and you are using your car's air conditioner, keep your groceries in the passenger compartment, not the trunk."

Please visit the web site for more information on safety with your food.