Food safety starts with the purchase of the foods, and careful selection of food can go a long way in protecting you and your family's health. You should always check the products for freshness before you check out. Here's what to look out for:

When shopping for meat and poultry...

Only buy meat and poultry that has been stored at the right refrigerated conditions.

Ensure that the meat does not appear stale or have off-odours before you purchase.

Do not buy meat or poultry in packaging that is leaking or torn.

Make sure that there is no excessive moisture on the surface of meat or poultry, as it indicates that the food items have not been handled properly.

Plan to return home directly after your shopping, so that the meat will not be left unrefrigerated for too long.

When shopping for seafood...

Make sure the seafood is properly refrigerated or iced.

Choose fish that has a bright, shiny appearance with intact scales, with bright and clear eyes, and bright or liver red gills. These indicate freshness.

Avoid fish that has yellowish or brown discoloration, or with red and cloudy eyes.

Choose prawns that are firm, and without any black spots or discoloration on the shells.

Make sure live crabs still exhibit leg movements, while live lobsters should curl the tail under the body when you pick them up.

Ensure live clams, oysters, and mussels have tightly closed shells. Do not purchase shellfish with gaping shells.