
The time-saving convenience of shopping at home has become more popular. It can also be expensive if you don't know what to look for. Many factors play a role when considering the purchase of meat, seafood and poultry from someone who comes to your door, so remember the following tips:
Buy meat, seafood and poultry by SERVING or WEIGHT and NOT BY THE BOX. Make sure that the seller's price list has a stated price per pound for each product.
USDA inspected products are required to give information about the product on the label. On raw products, the species, the cut, the net weight, the ingredients statement and the safe handling statement are required. No ingredient may be added to fresh meat or poultry unless the ingredient is listed on the label. Some companies may offer less tender cuts, or lower grades of meat or poultry for lower prices because the product has been tenderized with a marinade or /flavoring agent.
Whenever considering the purchase of products from a door-to-door seller, find out who they are. In Arizona, it is required that, at the time of sale, the seller must provide the buyer with a written agreement. The written agreement must clearly disclose the following information:
This is UNTRUE!!!
The fact is all retailers are required to deduct the weight of the packaging material (tare) from the cost of the product. Consumers should only pay for the product within the package and NEVER the material it comes in. For more information visit the Beware of Tare page.
Never buy meat or poultry products that are transported in an unrefrigerated truck or car trunk.
The following is what is required on a receipt:
Make sure you act quickly. Send a letter of complaint to the company. Be sure you keep a copy for your records. A letter is important because it puts your complaint on record and lets the company know you are serious about pursuing the dispute. In general, beware of claims that are too good to be true. They usually are. If you are not satisfied, contact the Division at 602 771-4920.