Ordering groceries or takeouts that are delivered to your doorstep is so convenient. According to forecasts, the global online food delivery market will be worth US$1.22 trillion in 2024 and by 2029, it is expected to become US$1.92 trillion. The annual growth rate will be almost 10%.
Online food sales have become very popular in recent times. New businesses are setting up their shops online to benefit from the growing market. They are using social media and offline marketing to reach out to new customers. Most foods sold online are safe for consumption. However, consumers must still understand the basics of food safety and know what to look for when they are purchasing food on the Internet.
What You Must Look For When Purchasing Food Online
Here are some recommendations and tips to make sure that the food delivered to your home is safe to eat –
- Product Labeling
Every credible seller must display the product label online so that you can check it before you purchase. Look closely at the entire label because you want to know what you are buying. Check the list of ingredients and nutritional information. Processing is important for bottled and canned items as it makes them shelf-stable. Check whether there are instructions on how to refrigerate the food once it has been opened. Also, the package must have an expiration date.
- Vendor and Website Credibility
Buyers are often tempted by new and interesting products and smart marketing campaigns. Check the following before purchasing –
- History of the vendor – How long has the seller been in business? What other products are sold by them? By analyzing such information, you will be able to understand the credibility and experience of the seller.
- Read online reviews – Every vendor in business for a few years will have many reviews. Pay close attention to the negative reviews, particularly those relating to reliability or safety.
- The integrity of the Package
When you get the food, check the package for swelling or leaks. These signs may show that the food is contaminated. On opening the package, smell to find out whether it seems okay.
- Discard the Package Immediately
When you receive the food, the first thing you must do is transfer it from the package to a plate. Immediately discard the plastic and the box in which the food has arrived. According to reports, many viruses and contaminants can survive on cardboard for up to 24 hours. So, just to be safe, discard the cardboard, plastic, and foil that were used to pack your food.
- Check the Food Temperature
Food delivered to your home should be at a safe temperature because there can be bacterial growth otherwise. If you have purchased from a takeout, then check whether it is still warm. If ordered from a grocery shop, make sure that the perishables are cold. Do not eat if it is not in the right temperature. Contact the delivery service or restaurant immediately.
- The Delivery Time is Important
The food delivered to you must be within two hours of the cooking time. If you know that it was cooked before that, then you must return or destroy it even if the food is warm. However, normally, it takes around 20-30 minutes from the cooking for the food to reach most homes.
- Reheat the Food
Always reheat the food you receive even when it feels warm. The World Health Organization (WHO) says that many contaminants including coronavirus are susceptible to the normal cooking temperatures at home, which is around 70 degrees C. Of course, Covid is not a concern anymore. But still, it is best to heat the food purchased from outside before eating.
Concerns Regarding Online Grocery Purchases
Did you know that more than 60% of Americans are worried about food-borne illness from bacteria? Online grocery shopping can also be a risk. Here, you don’t have the chance to inspect the food before purchasing. So, there is always a risk of food quality.
Here are some tips to reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses from your grocery shopping –
- Look at the safety standards of the vendor you are purchasing from. For example, are they using insulated materials and packaging like frozen gel packs or dry ice? Report if it appears damaged or was delivered at an unsafe temperature.
- Use a food thermometer to check the temperature of frozen and refrigerated foods when you receive them.
According to reports, 46% of people who purchase groceries online check the nutrition labels. Despite this, such information is not always presented. In a recent study, it was discovered that only in 1/3rd of instances, nutritional information found at grocery stores was presented when the items were delivered online. This included the list of ingredients, nutrition facts, information on the common food allergens, and the percentage of juice in fruit juices.
This oversight can be alarming for people who have food allergies and those who suffer from diet-related medical conditions.
In a survey done by the International Food Information Council (IFIC) in 2017, 75% of the participants who purchased groceries on the internet said they read the nutrition labels. However, when ordering online, it was more difficult to identify the packaging and product labels compared to in-store purchases. This is a clear case of a lack of label transparency.
There are so many advantages to ordering food online, which is why it has become so popular. You can order virtually anytime you want and that too without leaving your home. The food or groceries will be delivered directly to your doorstep. As a customer, you will also have more dining choices as well. Just remember to be careful about food safety, hygiene, and health. Follow these safety tips and recommendations when you purchase food online.
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