However, I also wanted to share a word of warning about certain bulk foods. Anything in bulk that does not come from an automatic dispenser, should not be purchased. Before transplant I was told to never use bulk foods because of potential contamination and also because the freshness/expiration date is unknown. If access to the product is with scoops, tongs or any other access by hand, contamination is more likely. Especially when the bins are at child level.

Dr. Oz did a show on the dangers of food sold from bins awhile back. He found all kinds of things mixed in with the food – the most common being broken off fake fingernails. They also video-taped people who were accessing baked goods, and other products from bins. The majority used their hands, rather than the tongs or the waxed paper sheets. Some would handle food, then put it back.

So just a heads up on bulk food safety concerns. If you can wash the product thoroughly or will be boiling it (such as with dry beans and grains), it should be safe enough. Otherwise, be on the safe side.