Ice cream should only be purchased from authorized commercial units, kept at the recommended temperature and should not be refrozen once it has melted. The recommendations are made by the National Food Safety Agency, which warns that high temperatures during the summer can quickly affect the quality and safety of the product, reports IPN.
Consumers are advised to check if the packaging is intact, if the product is within its validity period, and to read the information on the label regarding the ingredients, storage conditions, and allergens. Moreover, specialists draw attention to the fact that ice cream should not show signs of melting and refreezing, such as large ice crystals, deformed packaging, or changes in texture.
According to ANSA, reading the label helps consumers to know the ingredients of the product, its nutritional value, and the allergens it contains. This information is particularly important for people with allergies or food intolerances.
In the case of bulk or dispenser-served ice cream, ANSA recommends consumers to observe whether the sales area is clean, whether the staff adheres to hygiene rules, and whether the product is constantly kept at the appropriate temperature.