Buyer beware! Easter food safety advice

Consumers are warned by the Greek Food Safety Authority (EFET) to be careful when choosing food for their Easter table.

They are advised to:

* purchase food from recognized points of sale

* buy meet placed in freezers and not outside where they are exposed to dust and germs

* pay attention to the general cleanliness of personnel and machinery used at the points where they are buying their food

* examine the stamps of products and the labels

Seals-Labeling

Lambs that have been bred in Greece and EU countries carry a turquoise or red colored seal that has an oval shape. Those that are imported from third countries need to have brown stamps and an oval health mark and rectangular stamp that states the name and country from where they originated. Consumers should pay particular attention to the date of freezing and the expiration dates of meat products.

Chocolate eggs

Those purchasing chocolate eggs to give to children should ensure that general rules of hygiene have been applied. They should buy from reputable outlets to ensure that safety standards have been maintained. Particular attention should be given on the contents of chocolate eggs with small toys inside. Furthermore, parents should be careful when reading the label with particular focus on the expiration date.

Consumers who come across unfit food products circulating on the market should contact the Food Safety Authority on 11717.