Buying:
Shop at reputable stores or markets - Shopping at clean, well-maintained grocery stores, farmers' markets and vendors that are inspected by a regulatory agency is a first step in reducing your risk of foodborne illness. Roadside vendors offering cheap deals may be tempting, but be sure to look for--or ask to see--a permit!
Use a shopping list to plan your trip through the store - Items that don't require refrigeration such as pre-packaged foods, canned goods and paper products should go into your cart first. Pick up frozen food, raw meats and hot deli items last--just before you go through the checkout.
Separate-Always keep fresh meat, poultry and seafood separate from other items in your grocery cart to avoid cross-contamination from raw juices. Keep these potentially hazardous foods in a separate corner or on the bottom tier of a two-tiered grocery cart.
Check the "best before" and "sell by" date - Pick foods which will stay safe and fresh the longest.
Beware of damaged packaging - Never buy cans that are bulging or dented, or packages that are damaged or torn. Meat, poultry or seafood should be in tightly wrapped packages with no tears or dripping juices.
Take a cooler for longer trips - Planning to do a few other errands before going home after shopping? Take a cooler with a few frozen ice packs along to keep your perishables cool.