An Unexpected Benefit to Stockpiling

Months ago, when there was the huge problem with eye drops causing horrible infections, I started to pay attention to the eye drops I use. Eventually, I found this website that’s been quite helpful in keeping track.

At some point, I downloaded a food recall app to my phone (here’s the iPhone version), which if I’m being honest, has been both a blessing a a curse; it seems that as I age my paranoid about all things health-related has increased significantly. So much so that I check for food recalls every few days, which tends to annoy my wife. Thankfully, I haven’t consumed anything concerning, but one can never be too careful. 🙂

Let me get to the point. It’s clear that the most likely problems we could encounter with regards to food safety come from fresh foods. This includes salmonella and listeria found in some vegetables, meats, and dairy products as the primary culprits. No doubt these products are more difficult to stockpile, though not impossible.

To a point, if we already have these types of food in our refrigerators and, therefore, do not need to go out and buy more each week, then the odds of us consuming tainted food will be less likely. At least, it will be less likely if we check in on food recalls regularly.

Moreover, it’s not only about food recalls. There are prescription medications, vitamins, and even animal-related supplies, such as food, that could be problematic, too. Thus, because I stockpile dog food, for instance, the odds of my dogs getting sick because of tainted dog food will be minimized.

Similarly, the odds of me using bad eye drops will be less likely, too, because I usually don’t get into my eye drop stash until months after purchasing. Of course, there are concerns with using such items before their expiration date, so there’s some juggling of dates on both ends of the spectrum to consider.

Realize, too, that recalls happen for a number of reasons besides contamination with dangerous pathogens. They could, for example, contain something that was “undeclared” and probably not harmful to most people or pets. They could contain “particular matter,” whatever that might be.

I realize this isn’t a HUGE benefit to stockpiling, but it is something that I hadn’t thought about until recently. And, of course, you’re going to have to check on these things regularly or, at minimum, before first use.

Hope that helps!