It is important to carefully select, package and transport food from the grocery store to home to keep it safe, according to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Follow these tips provided by the group for a safe shopping experience.
What to do:
1. Make cleanliness a priority. Check for cleanliness and only buy food from reputable businesses that follow food safety regulations. Use wipes to clean the handle of the shopping cart, wash hands before sampling food and wash reusable grocery bags often.
2. Shop in order. Gather non-perishable items first. Then, select refrigerated and frozen items. Stop at the deli counter last. Put fresh fruits and veggies on top of other foods in your cart.
3. Pick your produce. If you go to a farmers market, go early in the morning to avoid produce that has been sitting out all day. Choose loose produce rather than packaged so you have more control over what you select and purchase only the amount of produce you will use within a week.
4. Inspect food packages. There should be no holes, tears or openings in food packages. Frozen foods should be solid with no signs of thawing. Refrigerated foods should feel cold.
5. Check safety seals. A loose lid on a jar means the vacuum has been lost and the product may be contaminated. Avoid buying any cans that are deeply dented, bulging, rusting or have a dent on either the top or side seam.
This article was prepared with the help of AI technology using information collected and verified by journalists.
Northwest Indiana neighbors: Obituaries for January 13
Read through the obituaries published today in The Times.
Bobbi passed away peacefully 01/01/26, she is survived by her husband of 61 years Ralph, daughters Claudine, Audrey, and Mykaela, grandson Ale…
Garrett Brian Zandstra, 78, of Fremont, Indiana, peacefully passed away on January 6, 2026 after a brave battle with melanoma and prostate can…
Duane Dedelow, Sr. (7/31/1937–1/1/2026) was preceded in death by his wife, Constance, and son, Luke Dedelow. He is survived by 10 children; si…
Today our family remembers the 3rd anniversary of our brother Jaime's passing.
Remembering our brother Jaime on his third year passing. You are thought of often and fondly.
Margo Retson du Bernard passed away on December 22, 2025, in Boulder, Colorado, at the age of 66.
Shirlee Jean Farrell, age 85, passed away peacefully on January 2, 2026. She was a devoted wife, loving mother, proud grandmother, and cherish…
Richard ("Uncle Dickie", "Sneaky Snake") Kalina passed away at the age of 81 on December 12, 2025. Born in Gary, IN, he resided in Portage, Va…
Polly A. Bodinet, nee Dudley, age 66, of Crown Point, Indiana, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 3, 2026. Beloved wife of Richard Cl…
Melissa "Missy" Sue Bodlovich, age 45, of Hobart, IN passed away on Friday, January 2, 2026. Missy was born on May 2, 1980 to Daniel and Linda…
Shanaye Davis was born February 5, 1963, in Gary, Indiana, to the proud parents of Homer and Austilla Davis. From the very beginning, Shanaye …
Five years since we lost Judy Marshall, and she is felt every day. She was the heart of our family. Loving, generous, and always making sure n…
Dolores Barbara Pers, age 95, passed away peacefully on December 23, 2025. She is survived by her beloved son Richard Steven Pers and her belo…
Bob Kasarda
Porter/LaPorte County Courts and Social Justice Reporter
