CONSUMER OFFICE / DECO
“What should I pay attention to to make healthier purchases?”
A DECO INFORMS…
Making balanced and healthy food choices is essential for everyone’s health and well-being. Each choice influences the environment, the local economy and the future of food. Whether fresh or processed and packaged foods, you need to pay attention to the label, origin, expiration date and storage conditions.
Knowing that we are what we eat, DECO presents some tips for you to make healthy purchases:
- Before you go shopping:
Set your budget;
Plan your meals for the week;
Make the shopping list.
- During purchases:
Read the labels carefully: ingredients, expiration date, storage and use;
Look for the nutritional declaration: pay attention to fats, sugars and salt.
Find out about expiration dates:
- “Use by”: indicates food safety and should not be exceeded.
- “Preferably before”: indicates the quality of the food that can still be consumed if it maintains good appearance and odor.
Beware of nutritional and health claims like “high in fiber” or “low in fat.” These claims require scientific proof.
Check the origin and freshness of food:
- Fruits and vegetables: they must be firm, bright in color and free from blemishes;
- Fish: must have bright eyes, red gills and a fresh sea smell;
- Meat: it must be bright in color and moist in appearance, without a strong odor.
- Preserving food at home
Arrange fresh food correctly in the refrigerator (temperature 0–5 ºC);
Frozen foods retain their nutritional quality (temperature – 18 Cº).
SAY DECO:
Defrost food in the refrigerator and do not refreeze it.
- Make sustainable choices
Choose local and seasonal products, with less environmental impact;
Choose to buy in bulk or individually whenever possible;
Avoid food waste.
Knowing your RIGHTS as consumers of goods and services is the first step towards being a more active, active and participatory citizen. Follow the DECO project – EVERYTHING YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO – WHICH aims to make information and consumer support services more accessible and accessible throughout the national territory.
This project is co-financed by the European Union, through the Single Market Program.
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