As Easter approaches, food safety on the holiday table becomes more important than ever. The Union of Consumer Employees of Greece offers practical guidance for preparing Easter meals, stressing that following basic food handling practices is essential to protect public health.
Safe Food Shopping and Meat Purchases
— Buy fresh foods only from trusted, licensed suppliers, always checking expiration dates.
— Store perishable items in the refrigerator and follow the manufacturer’s storage instructions.
— Practice proper hygiene: wash hands regularly and use clean utensils and surfaces during food preparation.
— Cook meat and poultry to safe internal temperatures to eliminate harmful bacteria.
— Clean all cooking surfaces and utensils thoroughly after meal preparation.
General Guidelines from EFET (Hellenic Food Authority)
Purchases should be made at official, regulated retail outlets — businesses authorized by law. When buying meat, ensure it is displayed in refrigerated or chilled cabinets maintaining appropriate cooling temperatures — never left unrefrigerated or exposed to dust, insects, microbes, or environmental contaminants.
Pay attention to staff hygiene, as well as the cleanliness of equipment and premises where food is sourced. Carefully examine product labels and posted sale information.
Key Points When Buying Lamb, Offal, and Meat
— For domestically produced lamb and kid, the official suitability stamp is turquoise (bright cyan) and oval-shaped.
— Imported lamb and kid from third countries bear an oval-shaped suitability stamp in brown.
— Every carcass must carry official stamps on both halves.
— Offal must be free of cysts, lesions, or discoloration and must not be exposed to the environment.
For frozen products, always check both the freezing date and the expiry date.
What to Check When Buying Eggs
Review mandatory labeling information on the packaging, including the laying date, packaging or candling date, and best-before date. Store eggs in a cool, dry place for optimal freshness.
Choosing Chocolate Easter Eggs Safely — Especially for Children
Chocolate Easter eggs sold primarily for children must comply with general food hygiene rules for storage, display, and sale — only from established, reputable food retailers.
Parents should pay special attention to contents included with chocolate eggs — such as small toys, which pose choking hazards — and verify that ingredient lists (e.g., milk chocolate, allergen information) and expiry dates are clearly marked on packaging.