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Shopping before Christmas is often accompanied by hurry, nervousness and crowds, when shopping consumers lose their caution and pay less attention to food shopping. In spite of this, it is very useful to know at least the basic rules and to follow them when shopping.

Never buy food that is not stored in the shop under appropriate temperature conditions. This concerns mainly delicatessen products, meat and fish products, chickens, milk products or desserts that shall be kept in refrigerated display cases. Eggs should be stored in dry, protected against direct sunlight and in an environment with temperature between 5 – 18oC.

In particular, always check the use-by-date, i.e. the date stated behind the words “ To be used by…”. After this date, food must not be sold and it also has nothing to do in our refrigerators.

If you buy frozen food, make sure that the temperature of the freezers is lower than -18 °C. The thermometer should always be in a visible place and, of course, it should be functioning. It is useful to know that food can be stored in freezers only up to the filling line. Use cooler bags to carry frozen food products and after shopping, put them immediately in the freezer. Never refreeze thawed food.

Avoid shops where they are at odds with cleanliness. Pay attention to hygiene conditions of the shop and staff cleanliness, do not forget that non-packaged food can only be handled using serving equipment or gloves.

Do not buy food with deformed, damaged or dirty packaging, food that does not look fresh, suspiciously smelling food or food affected by moulds or rotting.

Try to take you shopping home as soon as possible. When shopping in shopping malls, buy food last. Food does not like spending hours in the boot.

Try to store your food under such conditions, as recommended on the packaging. It can be, for example, storing temperature or light conditions.

During Christmas and mainly after Christmas, check your fridge and dispose of expired or suspiciously looking food. You will avoid at least unnecessary stomach disorders and probably also more serious foodborne illness.