Municipal Health Surveillance Institute warns consumers about shopping for Easter

It's time to start shopping for the Easter holiday. The Municipal Institute of Health Surveillance (Ivisa-Rio) is warning Rio residents about the precautions they should take when purchasing the main items on the list of supplies, such as chocolate eggs and the traditional Good Friday fish.

Those who don't want to give up on preparing a delicious cod should pay attention to the appearance of the product, checking for reddish spots and black spots, which indicate the presence of bacteria and/or fungi. The salt used for this fish should be coarse, as fine salt is prohibited.

Consumers should also keep an eye out for fish sold as cod but which are not actually cod. Only the Gadus morhua and Gadus macrocephalus types are considered legitimate. The first is known in Brazil as Porto or Porto Mohua; the second as Portinho or Codinho.

President of the Municipal Institute of Health Surveillance (IVISA-Rio), Aline Borges reminds consumers that they should be wary of the so-called Porto cod with a very low price and thin thickness:

– It is important to make it clear that Saithe, Ling and Zarbo fish, widely consumed among Brazilians and with a lower cost, are not cod and should be sold as salted or salted and dried fish.

Anyone who chooses to buy fresh fish must take the following precautions when purchasing.

– The fish’s eyes must fill the entire orbit, with reddish gills, sticky scales and a firm texture. Consumers should only buy fish with an intact belly, because when this part ruptures, it is a warning sign of an advanced stage of alteration. The viscera must be removed before storing the fish, so that it has a longer shelf life – recommends Aline.

Regarding red meats, which are often consumed at barbecues on Holy Saturday, the recommendation is to check the color, texture and odor, as well as the expiration date. Any change in these characteristics means that the product is not fit for consumption.

Chocolate eggs

Pre-packaged products, such as chocolate eggs, bonbons and chocolates in general, should be stored and displayed according to the manufacturer's instructions. Ideally, they should be stored in a cool, airy place, free from humidity, away from cleaning products or products with strong odors, and out of direct sunlight. The conditions of the products should be observed and softened chocolates should be avoided. In addition, it is important to check whether the products have labels with nutritional information, ingredients, manufacturing date and expiration date. Other mandatory information is the presence (or absence) of gluten, lactose and other allergenic ingredients.

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March 26th, 2024

Appointments: cod chocolate IVISA Easter Holiday City Hall of Rio Rio de Janeiro City Hall health surveillance