How Clean is Your Market?
Is your supermarket clean enough to prevent the spread of food-borne illness? Store managers and inspection doctors from the California Food and Agriculture Department's Meat Inspection Division recommend you search for evidence in the following places:
#1	Shopping carts Spilled or poorly wrapped beverages, produce and meats that leak into carts can contaminate your food.
#2	Bathrooms Bathroom cleanliness indicates employee and store practices, as well as management's seriousness about sanitation.
#3	Aprons and handling gloves These should be fresh and changed frequently. They should always be worn when handling food.
#4	Shelves and display cases There should never be spattered blood anywhere (don't forget to check the ceilings). Spilled dry and wet foods should be cleaned immediately.
#5	Bulk bins Make sure they are sold in either plastic or wooden cases with plastic liners. Nuts, grains and other bulk foods can be a breeding ground for insects and rodents.
#6	"Sell by" and freshness labels Check for official-looking stamps; they are sometimes altered. If there is any question, immediately take the item to the store manager, not the department manager.
#7	Local newspapers In most cities, unsanitary food establishments that violate local health codes are reported here.
#8	Inspection records If you are concerned about your store's cleanliness, talk with the store manager or ask for a copy of the store's inspection record.
#9	Delivery docks Are they clean? Where is the Dumpster located? It should be covered and away from the store.
#10	Checkout lanes Look for spills and food remnants that may contaminate fresh or uncooked items before they're packed.