| |
As the economic slump continues across America, some consumers are stretching their food dollars by buying food at auctions.
But West Virginia Commissioner of Agriculture Gus R. Douglass is warning buyers that food items sold at auctions may come with a hidden cost – illnesses caused by out-of-date, improperly stored or mislabeled meat and egg products.
“Consumers really need to take a close look at the expiration dates on meat products before they begin bidding,” said Commissioner Douglass. “When you buy at the grocery store, you can be assured that the Department of Agriculture is checking dates, storage areas and cooler temperatures on a regular basis. When you buy food at an auction, it’s difficult to know for sure where that product has been stored and for how long.”
State Code prohibits anyone from selling expired products, which can cause serious illnesses such as E. coli and salmonella. Home-processed and unpackaged meats cannot legally be sold either, he added.
“Any meat product offered for sale to the public must carry either a USDA or a WVDA inspection mark,” said Commissioner Douglass.
West Virginia Department of Agriculture (WVDA) Meat and Poultry Inspection Division (MPID) Director Robert Pitts, DVM, noted a distinction between “use by” or “expires on” dates and “best if used by” dates. “Best if used by” dates are not covered by state regulations, he said, although the same safety concerns apply. Dr. Pitts also pointed out that sellers must keep products refrigerated or frozen if product labels call for it.
Consumers should not buy unrefrigerated eggs or out-of-date baby formula, added WVDA Regulatory and Environmental Affairs Division (READ) Director Herma Johnson.
“West Virginia law prohibits the repackaging of eggs, and eggs must be kept refrigerated, as is stated on the cartons,” Johnson said. “Baby formula, although it doesn’t spoil, loses its potency over time. A child might not become ill from out-of-date formula, but it may not be getting the nutrients it needs.”
Food and formula in dented cans or damaged containers should not be consumed because it may be contaminated.
Commissioner Douglass asked consumers with information about food being sold illegally to contact his office at 304-558-3200.
“We will investigate and we will order anyone selling illegally to stop,” he said
The West Virginia Department of Agriculture protects plant, animal and human health through a variety of scientific, regulatory and consumer protection programs, as mandated by state law. The Commissioner of Agriculture is one of six statewide elected officials in West Virginia. Currently, Commissioner Gus R. Douglass is the longest-serving agriculture commissioner in the nation. For more information, visit www.wvagriculture.org.
“The Basis of All Wealth is Agriculture.”
|
