Covid mistake in shopping food

 

COVID Mistakes When Going Grocery Shopping

In these strange times, we've gotten used to the idea that shopping for groceries can be dangerous, with the risks of picking up COVID-19 hiding on every shelf. But as stores have taken a number of precautions to decrease the dangers, we've gotten better about mitigating our risks and become more comfortable heading to the store for fresh produce or ingredients for dinner.
But even those of us who are being extra careful may be overlooking one key mistake that can significantly increase their exposure to the coronavirus. It's not the type of groceries you buy or the specific store you go to. Rather, the biggest you can make while grocery shopping

Mistakes to avoid

Not wearing mask

may not seem like that mask is doing much, but if you look at how far a
cough can travel in a grocery store, it's absolutely worth wearing one. The CDC recommends for people to wear a cloth covering in public places, which definitely includes the grocery store. So do yourself and other shoppers a huge favor by keeping that mask on.

Not wiping down your cart.

at the grocery cart handle is one of the germiest spots of the grocery store? It's true! According to a study done by ReuseTheBag.com, out of all the bacteria on that shopping cart handle, an average of 75 percent of gram-negative rods. These are harmful bacteria that tend to be resistant to antibodies. The best way to avoid the spread of any germs or virus is to wipe down that grocery cart (or basket) before you begin shopping. So make sure to wipe that handle down before even entering the store, along with these precautions to take before walking into the store.

Touch the food 

We know you just want to find the perfect avocado…but think about it. If you're constantly touching other
produce and putting it back, then other customers are doing the same, who knows how many germs are on that avocado by the time the customer pays for that particular fruit or vegetable. Instead, use your eyes instead of your hands to scope out the best avocado and only grab the one you intend on buying.

Touching phone 

Studies have shown that your phone's touch screen can be a breeding place for germs, and during the pandemic, it's no different. If numerous people use their phones when looking at virtual grocery lists, that means sanitizing your hands is absolutely pointless since you're picking up those germs again on your phone. It may be smart to go to good 'ol pen and paper grocery lists at the store instead.

Pay cash

Your phone isn't the only germy thing in your bag! Another item that typically holds numerous germs is your cash. It may not seem like it, but the cash in your wallet can actually host a myriad of diseases. Paying with card is much safer, and for even more safety, trying using a non-contact paying method like Apple Pay, since it's the safest way to pay for groceries right now.

Not washing food bag

study actually found the average reusable grocery bag to carry coliform bacteria and E.Coli? It's true, and it's easily avoidable. Between every grocery store trip it's important to run your bags through the washer so you can not only avoid the spread of any virus, but prevent any food contamination to happen with your groceries.

Touching jermy spot

How many times have you leaned against those bumpers in the freezer section to grab something? Well, if you think about all of the other customers that are doing that, then it's no wonder that those bumpers are considered one of the germiest spots in the grocery store. You can easily stop making these grocery store mistakes by avoiding those germy hot spots in the store—like refrigerator doors and self-checkout stations.

Bad habis

Buying pre-prepared meals

Often in supermarkets there are prepared meal sections where assortments of sushi, rotisserie chickens, and large selections of dessert choices lie in wait for shoppers to purchase them. For the people within the grocery store, the appeal of bypassing food that requires effort and instead settling on something already prepared can be a no-brainer, but that is just what supermarkets are counting on. Stores anticipate people prioritizing convenience over price and will markup their prepared meals. At the end of the day, you will typically get more bang for your buck from buying the ingredients and making a
homecooked meal on your own, as cooking it for yourself can also provide a larger quantity of food.

Buying The Same Brands

Brand loyalty has a surprisingly strong effect on shoppers, as many people will seek the same products from the same companies they have come to know and love. While it is true that quality varies across brands, loyalty to one variety may be costing you more than its worth. Almost every product has a competitor and with great deals being offered every day, it is important to be open to trying something new. Not only is there a chance it will taste better, but you will be saving money. And something else that is important to note is that not all generic store brands are cheaper than their name brand competitors. Be sure to check prices when at the store instead of just grabbing goods with the assumption they are less costly.

Not Checking Expiration Dates

Although grocery stores are responsible for identifying and removing expired or close to expired goods, it is not always an easy job and there are times when things manage to slip through the cracks. In the event of that, it is possible for consumers to unsuspectingly buy the goods and fall victim to foods going bad on them. At that point in time, you may find yourself out a few dollars that could have been easily saved by simply checking the expiration date of the product before adding it to your cart. Checking the expiration date also allows you to pick the freshest product, giving it a longer life and increasing your likelihood of finishing it without having to throw some away. This is particularly useful for dairy products like milk and cream.

Hungry Shopping

Sometimes it is hunger that reminds us to do our shopping and though our first instinct may be to head off to the store, you may want to hold off as shopping on an empty stomach can cost you more money than you’d think. Frequently when we are hungry we change our basic decision-making processes to take into account our condition. It is the thing that causes us to speed just a little as we head home from the drive-thru or causes us to push off a mountain of time-sensitive work for just a little while to put something in our stomachs. In the grocery store, hunger is known to fuel consumers to not only buy more food than they have need for, but it also increases the likelihood that they buy unhealthy food as they may pick up some snacks they are craving. By filling up a little before heading out, you are likely to curb this bad habit....