WebMD
Font Size
A
A
A

Shopping safely to prevent food poisoning

There are things you can do while shopping to help prevent food poisoning.

  • 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 food past the "sell by" or "use by" dates.
  • Do not buy canned foods if the cans are dented, leaking, bulging, or rusting.
Author Monica Rhodes
Editor Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Associate Editor Denele Ivins
Associate Editor Pat Truman
Primary Medical Reviewer Kathleen Romito, MD
- Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Christine Hahn, MD
- Epidemiology
Last Updated March 15, 2007

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: March 15, 2007
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.