FOOD SAFETY
FRESH PRODUCE
SELECTING AND SERVING IT SAFELY B Y A N G E L A T R E A D AWAY Fruits and vegetables are an important part of a healthy diet. Local farmers markets are almost everywhere, which is great. They have very fresh locallygrown fruits and vegetables that are both nutritious and delicious. However, harmful bacteria that may have been in the soil or water where produce grows may come in contact with fruits and vegetables and contaminate them. This could also be the case with your home grown produce. After bringing your produce into your kitchen you want to be careful with 68
Cooperative Farming News
handling and storage to keep it from becoming contaminated there as well. So always always wash your produce at home under cool running water before consuming, especially produce that will be eaten raw. Eating contaminated produce (or fruit and vegetable juices made from contaminated produce) can lead to foodborne illness, often called food poisoning. As you enjoy fresh produce and fresh-squeezed fruit and vegetable juices, follow these safe handling tips to help protect yourself and your family.
