More choices avaiable in the market but buyers must beware
More choices avaiable in the market but buyers must beware
Sudibyo M. Wiradji, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
Good, healthy and delicious processed foods can easily now be
found at nearby grocery stores or supermarkets. They generally
come in different kinds of packages and containers that protect
the food from invading microbes and make them safe and available
all year round. This wasn't always true, of course.
Imported processed foods, for instance, are becoming
increasingly popular with high-income groups but consumers should
be cautious about their expiry dates.
Imported food like cheese, canned fish and beef, baby porridge
and packaged milk have been on a long journey before reaching
their customers.
They are generally stored at warehouses near ports for some
time upon their arrival until the processing of their import
documents is completed.
"For a number of reasons, certain processed foods have to be
stored at a warehouse longer than normal and this will shorten
the shelf-life of these products," said FG Winarno, a food expert
and former president of the Codex Allimentarius Commission, which
was formed in 1963 by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
and World Health Organization (WHO) to develop food standards and
guidelines.
The customers should, therefore, carefully check the expiry
dates on the packaged or processed foods they want to buy, even
if the items might be considered "newly arrived," he said.
Unsuitable warehousing facilities can also affect the quality
of food, which mostly requires special treatment depending on the
nature of the product concerned.
Dried, processed food products might not require special
treatment but wet, processed food such as fish, meat and lobster
should be kept cold so as not to spoil.
"Special attention should be paid to processed food made of
milled flour because such material is vulnerable to insect
attack," he said.
The physical state of packaged food should also be closely
examined, because any damage in the packaging or container could
also effect the quality of the product inside.
Even though eating processed food that is past its expiry date
does not necessarily cause serious illness, consumers are advised
not to consume those that have expired, in order to avoid putting
their health at risk.
In addition to the expiry date, consumers are also advised to
look carefully at product labels. For processed foods that
require special preparation, the labels should include
preparation procedures and details on product usage.
Imported processed foods may have a problem due to their
expiry date but buying locally made foods can pose a greater
health risk because many, especially those made by small
companies, carry no expiry date at all.
Winarno believes that most processed foods produced by small
companies have not even passed a laboratory test.
"For those cases, I think the government and private sector
should jointly sponsor the establishment of a laboratory where
processed foods can be examined before being allowed to enter the
market for public consumption," he said.
Below are the frequently asked questions you need to know to
ensure that the foods you buy are really healthy and safe. These
tips are taken from www.safefood.org
Q: What is the correct way to store unopened canned and
bottled products?
A: Store unopened canned products and shelf-stable bottled
products off the floor in a pantry or in a cool, clean and dry
place. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight.
How long can I store an unopened food product?
Unopened canned products usually last up to two years, if the
can remains intact. Food products other than canned products may
contain a "best-if-used-by" date which can give you guidance on
storage.
What is the difference between a "best-if-used-by" date and an
"expiration" date on food products?
The "best-if-used-by" date is the date recommended for best
flavor and quality of a product. It is not a purchase or safety
date. A "sell by" or "expiration" or "use by" date tells a
customer how long a store should display the product for sale.
Purchase products before the "sell by" or "use by" date. A
product can still be used after the "sell by" date if it is still
safe, wholesome and of good quality. Do not use a product beyond
the "use by" date.
How do I store canned food products once opened?
Once opened, leftover contents must be removed from the can
and placed in a covered, nonmetallic container and refrigerated
or frozen.
How long can I refrigerate canned products after opening?
Discard leftover canned products after three to four days of
refrigeration. Products containing meat should be consumed within
two days.
How long can the product stay out of the refrigerator after it
has been opened?
Refrigerate immediately after opening if not intended for
immediate consumption. If reheated, food should be placed in the
refrigerator within two hours of cooking. This recommendation
also applies to refrigerated and frozen products.
Can I freeze canned or bottled food products before opening?
Canned or processed bottled food products are stable at room
temperature and therefore do not require freezing. In fact,
freezing in their original container can be detrimental to the
quality (flavor and texture) of the product.
Can I refrigerate canned or bottled food products before
opening?
Canned foods have been processed to ensure shelf stability, so
it is not necessary to refrigerate the product. Long term storage
in the refrigerator is not recommended because condensation may
collect on the can causing it to rust. However, prechilling
unopened products such as canned fruits and juices is acceptable.
Can you freeze juice boxes?
Yes, boxed juices can be frozen. In fact, frozen juice boxes
can help to keep school lunches cold.
Should you rinse canned fruit or vegetables before eating?
No, there is no need to rinse or drain the liquid in the
canned product unless a particular recipe calls for it.
How can I tell if a canned food product has expired?
Some, but not all canned food products contain "best-if-used-
by" dates. Unless a canned product is leaking or swollen
(bulging), storing for several years will not affect the safety
of the product. -- JP