Watch Out for These Points When Choosing Safe Food

As the global order changes, lifestyles are changing too. While this affects consumption habits, health-conscious consumers are driven toward seeking "safe food." Food Engineer Ebru Akdağ emphasizes that when purchasing food, one should avoid products sold openly, those lacking Ministry approval or registration, and items with damaged packaging. She notes that packaged foods contain vital information and stresses the importance of food literacy. Ebru Akdağ points out that the pandemic period has taught us better that we need to seek "safe foods" rather than miracle foods, and shares key points to consider when selecting food.

Unpackaged food is food without identity and without protection

Food Engineer Ebru Akdağ, General Coordinator of the Kitchen Products and Margarine Manufacturers Association (MÜMSAD), defines safe food as food free from factors causing deterioration and contamination, which poses no health risk throughout its shelf life. She emphasizes that the correct choice in this regard is packaged foods with established brands. Akdağ states: "Safe packaged foods are produced in compliance with legal regulations, within the scope of quality management systems, and are subject to inspection mechanisms. For this reason, consumers should prefer reliable sales outlets and reliable companies with Ministry approval or registration when selecting food." Adding that packaged products are also very important for raising awareness of food literacy, Akdağ says: "It is crucial that we develop our food literacy both from this perspective and to make informed choices by understanding what label information means. Information on the product label such as nutritional values, expiration date, and allergens should be checked. Products with damaged packaging or those kept outside the refrigerator when they should be refrigerated should not be purchased."