The Unsweetened Truth About Loose Candies
Stepped-Down Magnita and Former Five-Way Employees Share Their Opinions on the Advantages of Minimizing Sweet Treats in Your Diet
Let's face it, nothing beats the indulgence of a delightful candy mound, teeming with colorful treats. But beneath the dazzling display, a hidden world of questionable cleanliness lurks. Ex-employees from popular retail chains, like "Pyaterochka" and "Magnit," spill the beans on why they wouldn't dream of buying loose candies for themselves or their loved ones.
A Hygiene Nightmare
The main shocker? Lax hygiene practices. Candies, being the only store product hand-accessible, are routinely manhandled. Customers pick and feel candies, sometimes even tasting them, only to return them to the communal pile. Kids and seniors are notorious for this habit, exposing candies to a plethora of germs. Even if the candy remains in its wrapper, it's not a guarantee of cleanliness; thin film packages can trap microscopic particles, and damaged packaging is common among sticky candies like caramel and nougat.
An Expiration Dilemma
Candy's external freshness may seem appealing, but former employees confess that batches close to expiration are frequently mixed with fresh stock to prevent waste. Leftover candies from almost-empty trays are often simply relocated to new ones, making it tricky to determine production and expiration dates. Moreover, candies at the tray's bottom or in distant corners are often ignored for weeks, especially if they're not popular. Over time, the texture and taste change drastically.
The Cleanliness Quandary
According to regulations, trays should be thoroughly cleaned regularly, and defective candies discarded immediately. Yet, particularly during peak hours or when staff is short, these guidelines are often disregarded. Dusty, gritty air from air conditioners often circulates around open trays, contaminating the candies. Damaged packaging is common but ignored, with candies unceremoniously mixed back into the lot. Soft candies such as marshmallows and meringues are particularly vulnerable, absorbing dust and potentially becoming a breeding ground for bacteria.
In essence, loose candies transform a trivial treat into a potential health hazard. Past employees warn that these treats may harbor bacteria, viruses, and allergens that easily transfer from hands, saliva, and even clothing of buyers. Children, people with weakened immune systems, and allergy sufferers are at increased risk due to expired candies and unsanitary conditions.
To avoid bacteria, viruses, and allergens, specialists advise purchasing candies in factory-sealed packaging, such as bars, packs, or flow-packs. If loose candies are preferred, opt for individually wrapped or plastic-capped sweets, while avoiding "naked" candies like marshmallows, meringues, or soft caramels. When selecting candies, request the seller to scoop them from a closed box or under the counter, rather than from the common tray. At home, immediately store your purchase in a clean container and discard the store packaging.
So, despite their allure of affordability and variety, loose candies aren't worth the gamble. Behind the enticing display, hygiene issues, expired products, and potential health hazards lie in wait. Former employees across retail networks collectively advise: if you crave something sweet, reach for factory-sealed packaging. It's the only way to ensure cleanliness, freshness, and peace of mind.
- The issue of hygiene in loose candies is a significant concern, as they are often manhandled by customers and not regularly sanitized, making them potential carriers of bacteria, viruses, and allergens.
- Nutrition specialists advocate for purchasing candies in factory-sealed packaging such as bars, packs, or flow-packs, to avoid the risk of consuming unclean, expired, or contaminated candies.
- The choice of individually wrapped or plastic-capped sweets over "naked" candies like marshmallows, meringues, or soft caramels is also recommended to ensure better cleanliness and safety.
