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When stores like Costco removed free samples in Covid, there was a big uproar. Everybody loves to nosh while grocery shopping, and the removal of free food stations felt like *yet another* thing that the pandemic had taken from us. But health experts warn that food samples come with a slew of health risks, from being high in nitrates, potential food allergy and bacteria growth. The bottom line is that you often can’t read the ingredients list or nutrition label for these pre-cut, pre-prepared foods that are displayed in the public space–and that is a problem. Before you grab that toothpick, see what leading food experts told us about the risks:
You Can’t ‘Check The Label’
Anyone with a food allergy or intolerance should be aware of the health risks associated with grabbing a food sample off the tray.
“The individuals offering the samples may not be fully aware of what ingredients and possible allergens the food contains,” nutritionist Lisa Richards, CNC, of The Candida Diet warns.
Without knowing exactly what is in the food, especially for food samples that are recipes using many ingredients, it is “best to bypass them to avoid any reactions,” Lisa suggests.
“You do not know exactly what they contain,” registered dietitian Trista Best of Balance One Supplements agrees.
But that’s not all. Issues with how these samples are prepared and stores exist as well.
“There may have also been cross contamination in the preparation process which could cause illness as well,” Trista explains.
“Food samples might not be the safest bet when it comes to food preparation, bacteria growth and the spread of germs,” registered dietitian Harland Adkins of Fast Food Menu Prices agrees.
Prolonged air exposure can also promote the growth of bacteria on foods that are meant to be stored at room temperature, he warns.
Lastly, the sample often contain high contents of nitrates, fat (which can increase LDL cholesterol), sugar and salt (which can increase blood pressure and cause bloating.)
Sorry to ruin your freebie experience, but it’s probably best to pass up on these next time you’re shopping at the market or warehouse club!
