Federal health officials estimate that almost 48 million people are sick from food contaminated with harmful germs each year, and some of the causes may surprise you.
While most people know that animal products must be handled with care to prevent disease, the products can also cause foodborne illness outbreaks. In the past few years, the United States has seen several major outbreaks of disease caused by contaminated fruits and vegetables, including spinach, cantaloupe, tomatoes and lettuce.
While most people know that animal products must be handled with care to prevent disease, the products can also cause foodborne illness outbreaks. In the past few years, the United States has seen several major outbreaks of disease caused by contaminated fruits and vegetables, including spinach, cantaloupe, tomatoes and lettuce.
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| 7 Tips for Cleaning Fruits and Vegetables |
If possible, the FDA says to choose products that are not bruised or damaged and make sure that the precut items, such as bags of lettuce or watermelon slices, are refrigerated or on ice in the store and at the House.
In addition, follow these recommendations:
- Wash your hands for 20 seconds with warm water and soap before and after preparing fresh produce.
- If damage or bruising occurs before eating or handling, cut off damaged or bruised areas before preparing or eating.
- Rinse the products BEFORE peeling them, so that dirt and bacteria are not transferred from the knife to the fruit or vegetable.
- Gently rub the products while holding them under running water. There is no need to use soap or detergent.
- Use a clean vegetable brush to scrub firm products, such as melons and cucumbers.
- Dry the products with a clean cloth or paper towel to further reduce the bacteria that may be present.
- Remove the outermost leaves from a head of lettuce or cabbage.
