There is a wide variety of food available here, catering to different customer segments. Most people prefer supermarket items as they believe that the food sold here is of guaranteed quality due to strict input control. This is also the reason why consumers are willing to spend more on food instead of choosing traditional markets.
However, experts warn that there are still some “dirty” items in supermarkets that are not good for health. Customers still flock to buy them, while supermarket staff never touch them.
Here are four foods you should avoid buying and consuming from supermarkets, no matter how cheap they are.
1. Minced Meat
Minced meat sold in supermarkets will be slightly cheaper than those in traditional markets. This is because supermarkets import food in bulk, giving them a price advantage.
For meat cuts like pork belly, loin, and shoulder, you can buy them from supermarkets, but it is best to avoid pre-minced meat for the following reasons:
– Meat used for mincing is often not fresh and may come from different meat parts.
– People may use various meat scraps and trimmings from the neck and belly of the pig. While these may not have an unusual smell, they are high in fat and lymph nodes, which can negatively affect your health if consumed.
– Food safety and hygiene are not guaranteed.
If you want to use minced meat, it is better to buy meat and grind it yourself using a grinder or chop it by hand.
2. Pre-peeled Fruits
Some fruits have a very short shelf life and usually last only a few days. Once peeled, they should be consumed within the day as they are prone to bacterial attacks, which can cause them to spoil and develop an odd smell.
With pre-peeled fruits in supermarkets, you have no way of knowing how long they have been peeled or if they are still fresh. Therefore, experts advise against buying pre-peeled fruits, whether from supermarkets or street vendors.
For safety, opt for whole fruits. Additionally, try to buy seasonal fruits to minimize the risk of pesticide and preservative residue.
3. Pickled Foods
Pickled foods like kimchi, pickled cucumbers, and radishes are popular items in supermarkets. However, they contain high levels of nitrites, which can be harmful.
Moreover, when displayed in open trays for extended periods, pickled foods are susceptible to bacterial growth, which can be detrimental to your health.
Frequent handling by customers and constant opening and closing of the trays also impact the flavor of the food. In general, pickled foods are not very healthy, so experts recommend limiting your consumption. If you want to enjoy them, consider making your own at home.
Pickling your own cucumbers, kimchi, or radishes is not too difficult, and with a few simple steps, you can have a delicious, crispy, and hygienic homemade pickle.
4. Frozen Foods
Supermarkets offer a wide range of frozen foods, such as chicken feet, seafood, and steamed buns, at very low prices.
Experts believe that most of these products are made from inferior ingredients and often contain various additives and flavorings. Regular consumption of these foods can negatively affect your health.
Additionally, frozen foods are often sold over extended periods, providing an opportunity for bacterial infiltration and growth. Some frozen meats are also repeatedly thawed, losing most of their nutritional value and becoming a potential health hazard.
Therefore, nutritionists recommend buying fresh produce and preparing meals that are both tasty and healthy.
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