We all buy food somewhere – from the grocery store, farmers’ market, membership clubs or specialty markets. These places must all follow food safety practices to keep food safe. Sadly, this isn’t always the case. Keep your eyes peeled for some of these frequent “ick” factors wherever you shop.

DIY Inspection
All establishments that sell food must adhere to food safety guidelines. They get inspected just like restaurants. During your next trip to the market, take a few minutes to visually inspect the premises yourself. Here are few things to take notice of:

• Do the floors look clean?
• Are spills being cleaned up immediately?
• Is the canned food dusty?
• Do the deli and other service counters appear clean?
• Is the stock well organized?
• Is food displayed within its expiration date?
• Does the produce look fresh?
• Are there signs of pests like mouse droppings or roaches?

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