In recent weeks, food safety in supermarkets has been thrust into the spotlight, not only due to ongoing concerns but also in light of troubling events that have affected both consumers and public health. The recent closure of two popular supermarkets in Portmore, St Catherine, by the Public Health Department for violations of food safety standards has raised serious questions about the practices that govern food handling in supermarkets. This, combined with the tragic deaths in South Africa linked to food exposed to pesticides in spaza shops, highlights the critical importance of ensuring safe food practices across all retail outlets.

Date Labels: More Than Just a Guideline

One of the most vital elements of food safety is the use of date labels on food products. Supermarkets often display various types of date labels such as Use By, Best Before, Sell By, and “Packaging Date.” While these labels serve as a guide to ensure freshness and quality, they are also essential in preventing foodborne illnesses. Despite their importance, many consumers struggle with understanding these labels, often confusing them or misinterpreting their meaning.

Experts emphasise that Best Before dates do not indicate that food becomes unsafe after the specified date, but rather it may lose its quality. On the other hand, “Use By” dates are critical, particularly for perishable items like dairy and meat, as consuming them past this date can lead to health risks. To clear up misconceptions, food safety experts are urging consumers to understand these labels and adopt practices that minimise food waste while safeguarding their health.

Cold Storage and Cold Displays: Key to Safe Food Handling

The storage and display of perishable goods such as meat, dairy, and seafood are another significant aspect of food safety in supermarkets. Improper temperature control can lead to the growth of harmful bacteria, resulting in foodborne illnesses. A quick look inside the cold storage areas in supermarkets reveals the intricate systems that maintain the right temperature for these items, ensuring their freshness and safety for consumers.

The Bakery Section: Freshness and Hygiene Matter

While the cold storage sections of supermarkets are vital for perishable goods, other areas, like the bakery section, also require strict adherence to food safety standards. Freshly baked products such as bread, cakes, and pastries must be carefully handled and stored to prevent contamination, especially post-process contamination. Supermarket bakeries should ensure products are cooled properly and that any perishable fillings are stored at safe temperatures.

The maintenance of cleanliness and the monitoring of storage conditions must be a priority for supermarkets practising good food safety. Proper date labelling of bakery items is also crucial, as these products have a relatively short shelf life and can quickly degrade if not stored correctly.

Separation of Food and Non-Food Items: A Simple Yet Essential Practice

One of the simplest, yet most overlooked, food safety practices is the separation of food and non-food items in storage and display areas. Hygroscopic foods — such as bread, pasta, and sugar — can absorb moisture and odours from nearby cleaning supplies or chemicals, resulting in compromised quality. Storing these foods away from non-food items helps preserve their freshness and prevents contamination.

While supermarkets should have strict protocols to ensure food and non-food products are kept apart, consumers can also apply this practice at home. By carefully storing food in airtight containers and ensuring it is kept away from harsh chemicals, consumers can help preserve food quality and avoid contamination.

Lighting and Oxidation: Protecting Food from Degradation

Lighting plays a surprisingly important role in food safety. Excessive exposure to light can cause oxidation in food, leading to spoilage and the loss of nutritional value. Leafy greens, herbs, and other delicate produce can degrade quickly under intense lighting, which is why some supermarkets have adapted the use of tinted packaging or special lighting in their produce sections to slow down the oxidation process.

While supermarkets should take steps to protect products from unnecessary light exposure, consumers should also be mindful of how they store fresh produce at home. Keeping fruits and vegetables in dark, cool places can help maintain their freshness and prevent premature spoilage.

The Need for Stringent Oversight: A Growing Concern

Food safety violations in supermarkets and other retail settings can pose significant health risks to consumers. The recent tragedy in South Africa, where several deaths were linked to food sold in spaza shops exposed to pesticide residue, has highlighted the global nature of this food safety challenge. These incidents serve as stark reminders of the importance of maintaining proper food handling practices not only in supermarkets but across all food vendors.

As supermarkets and local authorities work to address these issues, consumers are urged to stay vigilant. By paying attention to date labels, inspecting food storage conditions, and being mindful of proper handling practices, shoppers can help ensure they are making safe food choices. Additionally, regulators must continue to strengthen food safety laws, conduct regular inspections, and ensure that food vendors, both large and small, meet the necessary safety standards to protect public health.

As food safety remains an ongoing concern, consumers and retailers alike must collaborate to safeguard health, minimise waste, and maintain the integrity of the food supply chain. Because after all, food safety is everybody’s business.

About the Author

Allison Richards is a food safety communicator and the founder of The Food Safety Girl, a consumer awareness platform dedicated to promoting food safety in Jamaica. She is also the host of The Big Bite Food Safety Show, a radio programme that educates listeners on food safety issues. With over 14 years of experience in food safety regulation, Allison is passionate about empowering consumers and industry stakeholders to make informed choices that protect both health and the environment.