Damaged Packages
There is a reason why food is packed in a certain way. If the packaging is broken, don't eat the food. If the packaging is broken, don't buy the food, says Lauren Twigge, MCN, RDN, LD.
Questionable Hot Bars or Salad Bars
"In clean places, most of the food at the hot bar or the communal food options is safe to eat," says Twigge. "But if they aren't managed right, these hot bars can be dangerous."
Unpasteurized Dairy Products
When you go to the store, you should only buy pasteurized dairy goods.Even though some states still don't allow it, social media has made raw milk more famous, and you can now find it in some shops across the US.
Off-Color Foods
If meat, produce, or bread doesn’t look its best, don’t buy it. “Check for physical signs of food safety concerns, such as mold on fruit or bread, graying of meat, or other odd coloring or smells that are coming from food,” says Twigge.
Dented Cans
A perfectly undented can is your best bet, but some dents are not off-limits. The USDA says that if a canned good has a very small dent with no other physical signs of damage, the product should still be safe to consume.
Frosty Freezer Items
You should probably skip that pint of ice cream, box of fish sticks, or package of breakfast sandwiches if it's covered in frost. The same goes for the freezer area of this store.
Pre-Cut Produce
Yes, those pineapple chunks or watermelon cubes in the produce section of your shopping store may look good because they will save you time from cutting and slicing.