FDA Advice: Produce Safety

10/04/07 Fruits and vegetables are an important part of a healthy diet. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) would like to remind you that, like any other food, it is important to handle fresh produce safely to prevent illness.

It's easy to help protect yourself and your family from illness by following these safe handling tips:

Buying and Storage Tips:

-- When selecting fresh-cut produce, such as half a watermelon or bagged mixed salad greens, choose only those items that are refrigerated or surrounded by ice.
-- Bag fresh fruits and vegetables separately from meat, poultry and seafood products when packing them to take home from the market.
-- Store certain perishable fresh fruits and vegetables (like strawberries, lettuce, herbs, and mushrooms) in a clean refrigerator at a temperature of 40 degrees F or below.
-- All produce that is purchased pre-cut or peeled should be refrigerated in a clean refrigerator at a temperature of 40 degrees F or below.

Preparation and Handling Tips:

-- Wash your hands for 20 seconds with warm water and soap before and after preparing fresh produce.
-- Cut away any damaged or bruised areas before preparing and/or eating. Produce that looks rotten should be discarded.
-- Thoroughly wash fruits and vegetables under running water just before eating, cutting or cooking.
-- Even if you plan to peel the produce before eating, it is still important to wash it first.
-- Washing fruits and vegetables with soap or detergent or using commercial produce washes is not recommended.
-- Scrub firm produce, such as melons and cucumbers, with a produce brush.
-- Drying produce with a clean cloth towel or paper towel may further reduce bacteria that may be present.
-- Many precut, bagged produce items like lettuce are pre-washed. If so, it will be stated on the packaging. This produce can be used without further washing.
-- As an extra measure of caution, you can wash the produce again just before you use it. Precut or pre-washed produce in open bags should be washed before using.