Buying food
- Buy the best quality food you can.
- To reduce the risk of contamination, avoid buying damaged cans and torn packets.
- Always check the label. Is the product near its best before or use by date? Follow the recommended storage conditions, for example ‘refrigerate after opening’.
- Plan your shopping trip so perishable foods are purchased last. Transport these foods in an esky and place them in a fridge or freezer as soon as possible. Do not keep perishable foods outside of refrigeration for longer than 2 hours.
- Avoid buying perishable foods such as dairy products, meat, fish and poultry (such as chicken, duck or turkey) that have been stored out of fridges or above the loadline in freezers. The loadline is the level to which foods may be stored in freezers and remain at the correct temperature. Sometimes, this line cannot be seen but it is usually about 5 cm below the rim of the cabinet.
This publication is provided for education and information purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional advice. Information about a service, product or treatment does not imply endorsement and is not intended to replace professional advice. Readers should note that over time currency and completeness of the information may change. All users should seek advice from a qualified professional for answers to their questions.