Among Friends

[lovesrecess]

I consider Dollar Tree to be better than the other so-called dollar stores because they are cleaner and more neatly stocked. They also carry many name-brands and are fresh according to the dates on packaging.  I rarely buy food there but I have bought a can of Campbell's soup and some name-brand juice boxes. I never even go in any other dollar stores...I went one time and it was filthy and the merchandise looked old and dirty. You just have to be very careful and selective when buying anything nowadays....even at "regular" stores.

[blackhole99]

You just have to read labels, some canned goods have BPA free on the label. I can believe those table cloths and straws are loaded with chemicals. Preserved foods in general should be questioned, I know I won't buy food that is made outside the US.

[haddon9]

Not surprised at all.  I never eat food from a can.  Yuck!  Not healthy to consume.  Frozen vegetables are much better.  As for microwave popcorn I stopped eating that years ago.  I had heard that the lining of those bags are toxic and get into the popcorn.

[classic]

@blackhole99:

I too am very much a label reader.. Nowadays, one has to be very careful as to what we are buying.. Cheap China  junk..

[classic]

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@Twins Mom wrote:
We can never be sure since we depend upon others to be doing their jobs in investigations, inspections along with honesty and concern for others over money. There is so much at stake and it’s scary.
I will admit this is one reason I don’t use/buy less expensive water bottles, cups, straws, even fun kids plates. Too much potential danger. Kids goody bags are a tradition and fun to prepare but I wish we would not support these “junk” manufacturers.
Dollar stores not only ones selling this stuff. It’s all over. When I saw the jars of asparagus from China at Aldi, I became insistent on reading where food from.

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I couldn't agree with you more.. Higher end supermarkets carry these products.. One has to be very vigilant in their shopping..

[Tinkrbl44]

My favorite dollar store in LA is near Beverly Hills.  Early on Sunday mornings the back parking lot (hidden from the street) is filled with pricey cars .... Mercedes, Bentleys, even a few Rolls Royces!   These customers may not want to be seen, but they sure enjoy getting the bargains!  LOL

[lovesrecess]

I think you have to read labels no matter where you shop. I was amazed to see some dry pasta being sold in a cardboard box that wasn't even sealed very well....you could easily fit your finger inside the box without breaking the seal; the label said it was a product of Israel....do you realize how far that flimsy box had come and how long it may have sat in the cargo hold of a ship? Ewwww. 

[dex]

I don’t think much of our food is clean or safe from contaminants these days.I notice that most farm fields seem to be situated along freeways or highways so that air is filled with exhaust.I have seen grain silos in disrepair with plenty of birds feeding and no doubt there are other animals there too.I try to avoid dirty food and chemicals but who knows how well I am doing.

[threecees]

I don't shop them as much as I used to. Get balloons there for birthdays but not

so many greeting card there anymore.

I still enjoy walking thru and looking at the new seasonal items. I will buy dvds there

when I can find some good movies there to watch during the winter months.

I have used coupons there on bounty towels and frozen soft pretzel the name brand

kind and you can get them for almost nothing.

[ROMARY]

'All in all', just about everything new-ish that we touch is probably somewhat toxic.  Lots of chemicals everywhere.

The best thing we can do is to wash our hands well before touching and eating food.

It's the only thing I can think of doing right now.

I must add/say that some chemicals do prevent food spoilage, pest contamination, bacteria, mold, etc., etc.  which could be more dangerous to us in the short term.

No use getting sick because something wasn't sprayed with a preventative. 

'I don't know', it's a vicious circle.   'Windmill of our Minds' song (Thomas Crowne Affair)

It's a matter of good luck now-a-days.