Supermarket Hygiene: How to Spot Spoiled Food and Inspection Lapses

Shoppers should exercise vigilance when selecting food from refrigerated displays in supermarkets, particularly concerning meat and fish, according to food product expert Judith Schryro from the Consumer Centre Berlin. She advises paying close attention to signs of temperature fluctuations, such as condensation or ice crystals on products, which are critical indicators of potential spoilage, especially for perishable goods.

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Condensation or ice crystals on products indicate temperature fluctuations, which is a problem especially with perishable goods.

Schryro emphasizes that the condition of fresh meat and fish display cases offers a significant clue to a supermarket's hygiene standards. These areas should be consistently cold, clean, and well-organized. Consumers should avoid meat that appears gray or is releasing excessive liquid. Furthermore, a lack of strong odors in the meat section is a positive sign, indicating good hygiene practices.

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A 'good supermarket' does not smell in the meat section.

Beyond the products themselves, the overall cleanliness of the supermarket is crucial. Schryro notes that dirty floors, sticky surfaces, and scattered trash are often telltale signs of poor hygiene. Damaged or open packaging on products also serves as a warning.

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A superficially unhygienic supermarket is often recognized by dirty floors, sticky surfaces, or trash lying around.

While these tips can help consumers make informed choices, a spokesperson for the NGO Foodwatch highlighted systemic issues within Germany's food inspection system. They revealed that a substantial number of inspections are not carried out, and the results of hygiene controls are seldom published. Foodwatch advocates for transparency, suggesting that publicizing these results would be a vital step in building consumer trust. The spokesperson also stressed the importance of personal responsibility for shoppers.

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Germany has a big problem with food inspection. Every third inspection is not carried out.