Whether in large supermarkets or small markets, we can see bulk food sections everywhere, and they are very popular with the public because the prices are relatively cheap. However, bulk food also has problems. Have you noticed these problems before?
I. Bulk Grains
Bulk grains are prone to breeding bacteria and also suffer from significant nutrient loss. Because grains contain moisture, the relatively humid environment can lead to bacterial growth. Among them, the most harmful to the human body is a carcinogen called aflatoxin. Among grains, the one you should never buy in bulk is brown rice. Although it is nutritious, its shelf life is very short, usually only half a year. In particular, its vitamin A and vitamin C will be completely oxidized after about 3 months of exposure to air, and their health benefits will be lost.
II. Bulk Cooking Oil
Most bulk cooking oils have no packaging labels. They are "three-no" products with no factory name or address, no production date or shelf life, and no quality standards, posing serious health hazards. Do not buy them. It is especially not advisable to purchase large quantities of cooking oil at once. This is because, firstly, opened oil is usually stored in the kitchen, where high temperatures and humidity can easily breed bacteria. Secondly, the oil in the container is highly susceptible to oxidation and rancidity, which increases the risk of cancer. Therefore, experts recommend that cooking oil should be bought in small packages and consumed within 3 months of opening.
At the same time, it needs to be reminded that the storage time of cooking oil is also related to the type of oil. For example, olive oil can only be stored for 6 months, and peanut oil can only be stored for 3 months after opening.
III. Bulk Frozen Foods
Don't assume that frozen foods can be stored without concern for a long time. Their actual shelf life is only one or two months. It is not easy to judge how long the various frozen foods in the supermarket freezer have spent in transportation and storage. Therefore, no matter how busy you are, don't let frozen dumplings, frozen meat, etc., fill up your freezer. It is best to buy and eat frozen food immediately.
IV. Bulk Seasonings
Whether it's bulk Sichuan peppercorns, cumin, or bottled chili sauce, their flavor usually fades and their seasoning ability weakens after about half a year. They are also very prone to breeding bacteria, which is very harmful to health. Seasonings must be bought in small quantities and of high quality. It is best not to buy bulk or large bottles.
So be careful when buying these bulk foods in the future, for the sake of your own health.