Choose Stores With Strong Sanitation Policies
In 2024, a Consumer Reports survey found that 72% of shoppers consider store cleanliness a top concern, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. Large chains like Kroger and Walmart have maintained heightened cleaning regimens, including hourly disinfection of high-touch areas such as cart handles, checkout counters, and self-service stations. Many stores post visible cleaning schedules and provide sanitation stations with hand sanitizer and wipes at entrances. According to a June 2024 report from the Food Marketing Institute, stores with robust sanitation protocols also report fewer customer complaints and higher loyalty rates. Shoppers are encouraged to look for stores that clearly display their cleaning policies and offer touchless payment options. Some stores, like Whole Foods, even use UV sterilization for carts and baskets. The CDC’s latest food safety guidelines stress the importance of visible sanitation efforts to reassure customers and reduce the spread of pathogens.
Disinfect Hands and Carts Before Shopping
A 2025 study by the National Institutes of Health revealed that grocery cart handles can harbor over 1.3 million bacteria per square inch, making them dirtier than public restroom doors. Most major supermarkets now provide disinfectant wipes or sprays near the entrance, and compliance is high: a January 2025 Harris Poll found that 81% of shoppers regularly wipe down cart handles before use. Hand sanitizer dispensers are also standard at store entrances. The CDC recommends using sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol before and after shopping to prevent the transfer of germs. A real-world case in Los Angeles in March 2024 linked a norovirus outbreak to uncleaned shopping carts, underscoring the value of this simple practice. Medical experts emphasize that even quick disinfection can dramatically cut the risk of illness.
Make a List and Shop Efficiently
According to a March 2025 report from NielsenIQ, shoppers who plan their trips and use grocery lists spend 28% less time in stores. Shorter trips reduce exposure to crowded aisles and other shoppers, which the CDC still flags as a risk factor for respiratory illnesses during peak cold and flu seasons. Digital list apps, such as Out of Milk and AnyList, have surged in popularity, with downloads up 47% in early 2024. Some stores now offer interactive maps through their own apps to guide shoppers efficiently and minimize wandering. Research from the University of Michigan in 2024 found that list-driven shoppers also make healthier choices and are less likely to impulse buy high-risk items like unrefrigerated deli meats. Limiting time in-store reduces the risk of cross-contamination and exposure to airborne pathogens.
Check Expiry Dates and Packaging Integrity
A 2024 FDA report highlighted a sharp rise in food recalls due to packaging defects, particularly for ready-to-eat products. Inspecting packaging for tears, dents, or leaks is crucial, as these can signal contamination risks. A UK Food Standards Agency study in February 2024 showed that 19% of shoppers found at least one damaged item per trip. Expiry dates are equally important: a 2025 CDC alert noted that consuming products even a few days past their “use by” date increases the risk of foodborne illness, especially for dairy, meats, and pre-cut fruits. Shoppers should also be wary of swollen cans or foul odors, as these can indicate bacterial growth. The FDA continually updates recall information, and many stores now pull questionable items more proactively than in previous years.
Prioritize Perishables and Use Cooler Bags
The USDA’s May 2024 guidelines stress that perishable items—meat, dairy, eggs, and fresh-cut produce—should be the last things added to a cart. Data from the National Food Safety Education Month report shows that 38% of foodborne illness outbreaks are linked to improper temperature control during transport. Insulated cooler bags are more popular than ever, with sales up 32% in 2024, as shoppers try to keep groceries below 40°F during the trip home. For trips longer than 30 minutes, the CDC recommends using ice packs in cooler bags. A 2024 case study in Phoenix found that even brief exposure to temperatures above 50°F can double the bacterial load on raw chicken. Many stores now sell reusable insulated bags at checkout, making this practice accessible for most shoppers.
Separate Raw and Ready-to-Eat Foods in the Cart and Bags
The FDA’s 2025 food safety update emphasized the importance of keeping raw meats, poultry, and seafood separate from ready-to-eat foods to prevent cross-contamination. A recent survey by the Safe Food Handling Institute found that only 53% of shoppers routinely separate these items in their carts and bags, despite well-documented risks. Grocery stores like Safeway have started offering color-coded bags or dividers to encourage safer packing. The CDC reports that outbreaks of salmonella and campylobacter are often traced to improper food separation during grocery transport. In January 2025, a Chicago family’s salmonella case was linked to a leaking poultry package contaminating produce in a shared bag. Food safety experts recommend using separate, washable reusable bags for raw meats and produce.
Store Groceries Promptly and at Proper Temperatures
A 2024 study by the American Journal of Public Health discovered that 22% of households leave groceries unrefrigerated for over an hour after shopping, increasing the risk of spoilage and illness. The USDA’s latest recommendations stress that perishable foods should be refrigerated within two hours, or within one hour if ambient temperatures exceed 90°F. Modern refrigerators with built-in temperature sensors have become more common, and sales data from 2024 show a 19% increase in smart fridge purchases. Experts recommend keeping refrigerator temperatures at or below 40°F and freezer temperatures at 0°F. A 2025 CDC report found that improper home storage was the leading cause of listeria outbreaks in home kitchens last year. Prompt and correct storage is key to maintaining food safety.
Wash Produce Thoroughly Before Storage or Use
A 2024 CDC study found that 48% of pre-packaged produce samples carried detectable pesticide residues or bacteria, including E. coli and listeria. Washing fruits and vegetables under running water removes most surface contaminants. The FDA explicitly advises against using soap or bleach, which can leave harmful residues. A growing trend in 2025 is the use of produce washes or vinegar solutions, though experts say plain water is effective for most items. The National Pesticide Information Center reported in January 2025 that soaking produce for 2–3 minutes reduces chemical residues by up to 80%. Even pre-washed and bagged salads should be rinsed again at home, as cross-contamination can occur during packaging. Clean drying with paper towels further minimizes risk.
Monitor Food Storage and Label Leftovers
A 2024 survey by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics found that only 27% of households label leftovers with dates, yet this simple habit can prevent foodborne illness. The FDA’s current guidelines suggest consuming leftovers within 3–4 days and freezing anything that won’t be eaten promptly. Smart kitchen gadgets, like Bluetooth-enabled food storage containers, have gained popularity in 2024, helping families track expiration dates via smartphone apps. The CDC’s food safety division reported a 14% drop in home-based food poisoning cases in households that actively tracked and labeled stored foods. Rotating older items to the front of the fridge, a technique called “first in, first out,” has been widely adopted by meal-prepping enthusiasts. This method makes it easier to use food before it spoils.
Stay Informed About Food Recalls and Safety Alerts
The USDA and FDA issued over 340 food recalls in the United States in 2024, a 12% increase from the previous year, largely due to enhanced detection technologies. Subscribing to automatic recall alerts via the FDA or USDA websites has become a best practice for many households. A March 2025 Pew Research Center report found that 63% of consumers now follow food safety agencies on social media for real-time updates. Recent high-profile recalls, such as the January 2025 listeria outbreak linked to packaged salads, highlight the importance of staying informed. Many grocery store loyalty programs now offer direct notifications about recalls for items purchased with a store card. Keeping up with safety alerts ensures that consumers can act quickly to remove potentially hazardous foods from their homes.
