Health Library

The Health Library is a collection of health and wellness resources created for learning and accessibility. Select a topic below for related health information or search for a topic in the search bar for more information on other medical conditions.

Spanish Translation

Food Safety: Tips for Grocery Shopping

Overview

There are things you can do while shopping to help prevent food poisoning. Here are a few tips.

  • Separate raw foods from other food items.

    Put raw meat, poultry, eggs, fish, and shellfish in separate bags. Don't mix them with other food items.

  • Check the packaging for leaks or tears.

    Do not buy meat or poultry that has a tear in the package or is leaking.

  • Get chilled food last.

    Pick up your refrigerated and frozen items at the end of your shopping trip. This way they'll be unrefrigerated for a shorter period of time.

  • Go straight home.

    Go directly home after you shop so you can store all foods properly. If it will take you a long time to get home, think about getting a portable cooler for foods that could spoil.

  • Check canned food for any damage.

    Do not buy canned food if the cans are dented, leaking, bulging, or rusting.

Credits

Current as of: October 24, 2023

Author: Healthwise Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.