When buying canned and packaged food, it is important to be mindful of what you are putting into your body. Not only can certain ingredients be bad for your health, but some packaging materials can also be hazardous. To ensure that the food you are consuming is safe and healthy, follow these steps when buying canned and packaged food.
Read the Label
Reading the label is essential when it comes to understanding what you are purchasing. Look out for any allergens that you may react to and make sure that any nutritional information meets your dietary needs. It is also important to check the expiration date on the package to ensure that it has not expired.
Check for BPA
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical found in many plastics and canned goods that has been linked to health risks such as cancer, reproductive problems and hormone disruption. Look for labels that state “BPA-free” or look for plastic containers with recycling codes 1, 2, 4 or 5 which indicates it does not contain BPA.
Check for Other Contaminants
It is important to check for other contaminants such as lead or mercury in canned fish products. While this should not be a major concern if you buy from reputable brands, it is still good practice to read labels carefully before purchasing.
Examine the Packaging
When buying canned goods, examine the packaging closely.
Check for any signs of swelling or damage which could indicate spoilage or contamination. Additionally, if there are any loose lids on cans or jars then they should not be purchased as they could contain bacteria.
Conclusion: What Should You Do When Buying Canned and Packaged Food?
To ensure that the food you are consuming is safe and healthy when buying canned and packaged foods, make sure to read the label carefully; check for BPA; look out for other contaminants; and examine the packaging closely for signs of damage or contamination. With these tips in mind, you can purchase healthy canned and packaged foods with confidence.