Staying Safe in the Meat Case
Food safety is important from the minute you walk into the grocer. Got meat? I know you do! From lean beef to juicy pork tenderloin, our carts get filled with these excellent sources of protein each week at the grocery. Some of us buy small portions and others buy the large value packs.
Regardless the size we need to always remember that although tasty, the meats can easily become health hazards if certain precautions aren’t followed! Below is a list of tips for Smart Mamas and Dadas to remember when shopping the meat case.
- Make the refrigerated meat case your last stop to ensure meat stays cold as long as possible until you get home. I’ve seen SmartMamas using bags like these to keep their meats cold when transporting from the grocery to home. I’ve never personally used one. Have you?
- Be sure to choose packages that are cold, tightly and completely wrapped with no tears or punctures. I like to dig through the meat case and look at the packages towards the rear. I find that they are colder.
- Packages should not contain excessive liquid as this can be an indication of problems with temperature or storage. This is a tip I had never considered. It’s certainly an important one.
- For vacuum-packaged meat, make sure the seal has not been broken and that the package is not leaking. Always remember to grab a plastic baggie in the meats area to place your meat package. This is essential as the exterior of the store portioned and wrapped cuts of meat could be contaminated. The plastic bag will keep these harmful juices and bacteria from getting into your other items.
With more than 100 different meat cuts in the grocer’s meat case at any given time, and more than 1,000 names for those cuts across the United States, Smart Mamas are faced with meat purchases regularly. Make your shopping successful and safe by following these tips!
Disclosure: I am currently a member of the Hormel Foods Extended Blogger Program and this post is part of my involvement in the Group. While Hormel Foods provides me material and necessary resources to complete various activities, all statements and sentiments stated are my own.
Although I seldom buy any kinds of meat products, guess I should still consider your tips. Does that thermal bag really works?
I haven’t used the thermal bag. I’m intrigued. I may have to get one and try it out!