What should consumers look for to ensure proper food safety when buying packaged foods?

To ensure proper food safety when buying packaged foods, consumers should focus on expiration and safe handling labels. These labels provide crucial information regarding the product's freshness and the recommended usage period. Expiration dates indicate until when the product is safe to consume, which is essential for avoiding foodborne illnesses that can arise from eating spoiled food.

Safe handling labels further guide consumers on how to store and prepare the food safely, which helps prevent contamination and ensures that the food maintains its quality. Following these guidelines is critical for public health and promotes safe food handling practices at home.

While factors like attractive packaging design may catch a consumer's attention, they do not guarantee safety. Likewise, brand reputation could suggest quality, but it does not directly indicate food safety compliance. Organic certification focuses on how food is produced rather than specific safety protocols, which may or may not align with proper handling practices. Therefore, checking expiration and safe handling labels is the most effective way to promote food safety during purchasing.