VERIFIED NOTE · August 28, 2026
9 Safe Grocery Shopping Rules
Do chilled groceries go into your cart before the rest of your shopping?
Three things to remember
- Pick up refrigerated and frozen foods after nonperishables, just before checkout.
- Separate raw meat, poultry, and seafood from produce and ready-to-eat foods and contain possible leaks.
- Chill perishables within two hours, or one hour when the temperature is above 90°F / 32°C.
Why it matters
USDA FSIS advises choosing refrigerated and frozen products after nonperishables and avoiding torn or leaking meat and poultry packages. This reduces the time cold food spends warming up before checkout.
How to apply it
Separate raw meat, poultry, and seafood from produce, bread, and ready-to-eat foods in both the cart and grocery bags. A separate bag helps contain leaking juices. Wash reusable bags with hot, soapy water after they carry raw foods.
How to apply it
Plan to go directly home. For a long trip or a hot day, use an insulated bag or cooler with ice or frozen gel packs to help keep perishables cold.
Final check
Refrigerate or freeze perishables within two hours of purchase. When the surrounding temperature is above 90°F / 32°C, shorten that limit to one hour. Smell and appearance cannot establish safety.
Sources checked
Last verified: August 28, 2026