This month, the deadliest food-borne illness outbreak in a decade has claimed up to 16 lives. While the government has begun to take steps to make the processing of food and the regulations surrounding it more strict, you can also limit your exposure to harmful bacteria as a consumer.
Consumers need to practice proper food safety habits, just like food manufacturers. The following are a few things you can do to ensure your health and the health of your family.
1. Be careful when choosing your food. When you’re shopping, really examine the products you are considering purchasing. Don’t pick up opened or damaged goods, dented cans, or produce that is bruised. Make sure you check the expiration and sell by dates of food.
2. Shop the right way: Be a smart food shopper. When you step into the grocery store, make sure you select your non-perishable items first, such as canned and dry goods. Buy refrigerated, frozen foods and hot deli items last, right before checkout. Make sure you make the grocery store your last stop, taking your items home to be refrigerated right after you buy them. If it’s not possible to take them home right away, pack a cooler.
3. Clean your kitchen! A recent germ study by NSF International found that kitchens harbor the most germs in the home, so it’s important to regularly clean and sanitize your kitchen counters as well as the kitchen sink. Separate cutting boards should be used when cooking to avoid cross-contamination. Make sure you wash the exterior of all produce to avoid contamination when you peel or slice the product. Wash you hands before cooking and before eating and after handling raw meat.
As a Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, consumer safety and keeping people informed of potential dangers of hazardous products is a big priority for me. I would like you to know that our product liability lawyers are here to help you and your loved ones if anything ever does happen because of an unsafe product. Do not hesitate to call us right away if any other consumer product has caused you pain and suffering. Please come back to our blog regularly so that you are informed about new dangerous consumer products.