|
Dairy products are rich in nutrients which are nourishing. However, these nutrients also encourage the growth of bacteria. AVA takes stringent measures to ensure that dairy products sold are safe for consumption.
As a consumer, you can play a part to help ensure food safety by buying dairy products from credible sources and observing good food safety practices.
Be a considerate shopper. Do not take chilled or frozen dairy products from chillers or freezers and leave them lying on shelves elsewhere in the supermarket as this compromises the safety and quality of the food. If you wish to return a chilled or frozen item, ensure that it is placed properly below the 'load line' in the chiller or freezer.
The following tips will enable you to enjoy safe dairy products all year round.
- Choose packages that are intact. Do not buy dairy products that are not properly sealed.
- Avoid canned dairy products that are dented, rusty, leaking or swollen.
- Check the expiry date on dairy products and do not buy items that are past their expiry date.
- For chilled dairy products, purchase only those that are properly displayed in the chillers. Chillers should be maintained at 4°C or below.
- Do not buy dairy products that have been stored or displayed beyond the 'load line'. The 'load line', usually applicable only in horizontal type chiller or freezer, indicates the level up to which food may be stored and kept at the correct temperature.
- Do not buy ice-cream that has excessive ice on the packaging as this indicates that it may have been partially defrosted and refrozen.
- Buy chilled and frozen dairy products last and head home immediately
- Do not place dairy products together with hot food in the same shopping bag.
- Take out only what you need to consume and return the unused portion to the refrigerator or freezer immediately.
- Do not leave dairy products at room temperature.
- Read the storage instructions on the label and keep the dairy products at the correct storage condition.
- Dairy products that can be kept at room temperature should be stored in a cool, dry place. Avoid storage under extreme heat or direct sunlight.
- Although Ultra Heat Treated (UHT) milk can be stored at room temperature until its expiry date, it should be kept chilled once it is opened and consumed within a week.
- Ensure that there is sufficient space in between items placed in the refrigerator or freezer so that cold air can circulate freely.
- Pasteurized milk should be kept refrigerated.
- Once a can of condensed or evaporated milk is opened, transfer its contents into a non-metallic container, cover tightly and refrigerate.
- Store butter and cheese in their original packaging in a covered non-metallic container and keep them refrigerated.
|