‘Just a word of advice…’ The alarming truth about supermarket meat
- Replies 7
As the cost of living continues to soar, it has become even more important to be a savvy shopper and ensure we only get good quality products. This has never been truer than when it comes to buying meat.
But there are some hidden dangers you should always be aware of so you don’t compromise your health in trying to save money at the grocery store.
In a video uploaded to TikTok, a woman named Brittany shared a ‘hack’ to ensure that you only get the best and freshest stock when buying meat. She also revealed that this is how she ensures she doesn’t waste money while grocery shopping.
‘Just a little word of advice when you’re shopping for meat, and you can actually see the meat through the package [and] feel it if that’s good,’ she said in the clip.
She added that if the packaged meat is inflated or bubbled, that means the meat’s temperature changed ‘too quickly’. She also advised her followers to avoid purchasing this even if it’s on sale.
‘Went from hot to cold or vice versa. Always avoid buying meat that is bubbled up like this,’ she noted in the video.
Although some (or most) of you already know this rule by now, Brittany’s viewers were thankful that she shared the handy tip and saved it for future reference.
‘It’s crazy that they will still put that meat out for families to eat,’ one customer commented.
‘Better tip: Don’t buy meat at ALDI,’ one suggested.
Another wrote: ‘Also coming from a former 2-year ALDI employee. Those meat packages should only be stacked 2 [levels] high to maintain the temp.’
Someone else said they used to think that inflated packaging was a good thing, so they ‘always picked the puffiest one’.
‘Also, bacteria produce gas as a by-product of growth, so there’s more bacteria growth occurring,’ another responded.
‘I have been on this Earth for almost 31 years and never knew this,’ one TikTok user stated.
‘Both of my parents have been/are chefs. Learned this years ago! Love seeing others being educated on it!
You can watch Brittany’s video below:
However, a food scientist told reporters that this is not always the case.
‘The meat in the TikTok clip is wrapped using atmospheric packaging, so it is filled with air to aid in reducing drastic ranges of temperature, pH level, and water activity. Meat has bacteria in it, the same way our skin does. When provided with optimal conditions, bacteria will thrive. If it didn't have bacteria, it would not be as beneficial as it is health-wise,’ they said.
They also urged shoppers to look at the use-by dates instead to ensure the meat they are purchasing is stored and cooked properly.
But what does it really mean when your food packaging is bloated?
Meredith Carothers, a USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service expert, said that bloating of meat or poultry packages could happen for various reasons – and not all of them pose a risk.
‘For example, some meats or poultry are packaged in “MAP” or Modified Atmosphere Packaging,’ she stated.
Ms Carothers explained that MAP is a packaging method that introduces a combination of gasses into the package during processing. This adds a little bloating or swelling to meat, seafood, or even salad mixes or cheese. She also claimed that there’s ‘likely nothing to worry about’.
‘The purpose of these approved, inert gases is to extend the shelf life of the product,’ she said.
However, she did say that bloated or puffy packaging can still pose a serious risk in some cases.
‘Swelling can occur in packaging due to gases formed as a result of spoilage taking place (bacterial growth can cause gas formation),’ she explained before adding that this type of spoilage can cause detectable odours.
So, if your packaged meat looks bloated even if it’s still within the best-by or use-by date, it’s probably a good idea to throw it away. Also, pay attention to any noticeable odours, small cuts, or rips in the packaging, which also cause bacteria to grow inside the packaged meat.
Better Health Victoria reminded everyone that once you’ve purchased food, the safety of that food is your responsibility.
‘Choose food carefully when shopping and only buy food from reputable suppliers with clean and tidy premises,’ they said.
They also shared food items that consumers should never buy in grocery stores:
Do you have any tips for buying and storing meat safely? How do you ensure you’re getting the most bang for your buck? Let us know in the comments below!
But there are some hidden dangers you should always be aware of so you don’t compromise your health in trying to save money at the grocery store.
In a video uploaded to TikTok, a woman named Brittany shared a ‘hack’ to ensure that you only get the best and freshest stock when buying meat. She also revealed that this is how she ensures she doesn’t waste money while grocery shopping.
‘Just a little word of advice when you’re shopping for meat, and you can actually see the meat through the package [and] feel it if that’s good,’ she said in the clip.
The video amassed more than 2 million views online. Credit: brittself20/TikTok
She added that if the packaged meat is inflated or bubbled, that means the meat’s temperature changed ‘too quickly’. She also advised her followers to avoid purchasing this even if it’s on sale.
‘Went from hot to cold or vice versa. Always avoid buying meat that is bubbled up like this,’ she noted in the video.
Although some (or most) of you already know this rule by now, Brittany’s viewers were thankful that she shared the handy tip and saved it for future reference.
‘It’s crazy that they will still put that meat out for families to eat,’ one customer commented.
‘Better tip: Don’t buy meat at ALDI,’ one suggested.
Another wrote: ‘Also coming from a former 2-year ALDI employee. Those meat packages should only be stacked 2 [levels] high to maintain the temp.’
Someone else said they used to think that inflated packaging was a good thing, so they ‘always picked the puffiest one’.
‘Also, bacteria produce gas as a by-product of growth, so there’s more bacteria growth occurring,’ another responded.
‘I have been on this Earth for almost 31 years and never knew this,’ one TikTok user stated.
‘Both of my parents have been/are chefs. Learned this years ago! Love seeing others being educated on it!
You can watch Brittany’s video below:
However, a food scientist told reporters that this is not always the case.
‘The meat in the TikTok clip is wrapped using atmospheric packaging, so it is filled with air to aid in reducing drastic ranges of temperature, pH level, and water activity. Meat has bacteria in it, the same way our skin does. When provided with optimal conditions, bacteria will thrive. If it didn't have bacteria, it would not be as beneficial as it is health-wise,’ they said.
They also urged shoppers to look at the use-by dates instead to ensure the meat they are purchasing is stored and cooked properly.
But what does it really mean when your food packaging is bloated?
Meredith Carothers, a USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service expert, said that bloating of meat or poultry packages could happen for various reasons – and not all of them pose a risk.
‘For example, some meats or poultry are packaged in “MAP” or Modified Atmosphere Packaging,’ she stated.
Ms Carothers explained that MAP is a packaging method that introduces a combination of gasses into the package during processing. This adds a little bloating or swelling to meat, seafood, or even salad mixes or cheese. She also claimed that there’s ‘likely nothing to worry about’.
‘The purpose of these approved, inert gases is to extend the shelf life of the product,’ she said.
Here are some tips when it comes to shopping for groceries. Credit: The Seniors Discount Club
However, she did say that bloated or puffy packaging can still pose a serious risk in some cases.
‘Swelling can occur in packaging due to gases formed as a result of spoilage taking place (bacterial growth can cause gas formation),’ she explained before adding that this type of spoilage can cause detectable odours.
So, if your packaged meat looks bloated even if it’s still within the best-by or use-by date, it’s probably a good idea to throw it away. Also, pay attention to any noticeable odours, small cuts, or rips in the packaging, which also cause bacteria to grow inside the packaged meat.
Better Health Victoria reminded everyone that once you’ve purchased food, the safety of that food is your responsibility.
Remember this the next time you go shopping. Credit: The Seniors Discount Club
‘Choose food carefully when shopping and only buy food from reputable suppliers with clean and tidy premises,’ they said.
They also shared food items that consumers should never buy in grocery stores:
- Dented, swollen or leaking cans or containers.
- Products with damaged or imperfect packaging.
- Cracked or dirty eggs.
- Chilled or frozen foods that have been left out of the refrigerator or freezer.
- Products that are soiled or mouldy.
- Ready-to-eat foods left uncovered on counters.
- Hot foods, like takeaways, that are not steaming hot.
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