June 19, 2011
Seafood is classic summer fare. But before you buy the seafood for your next clam bake or backyard BBQ, take a look at these safe seafood buying tips from the Food and Drug Administration.
1. Buy only from reputable sources.
2. Only buy seafood that is refrigerated or properly iced.
3. Don't buy cooked seafood, like shrimp, crabs or smoked fish, if displayed in the same case as raw fish to avoid cross contamination.
4. Don't buy frozen seafood if the packages are open, torn or crushed on the edges. Avoid packages that are above the frost line in the store's freezer. If the package cover is transparent, look for signs of frost or ice crystals. This could mean that the fish has either been stored for a long time or thawed and refrozen.
5. Put seafood on ice, in the refrigerator or in the freezer, immediately after buying it.
6. Recreational fishers who plan to eat their catch should follow state and local government advisories about fishing areas and eating fish from certain areas.
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