Fresh Produce Tips

Fresh Produce Handling Tips

Fresh Produce – “Fruits and vegetables are an important part of a healthy diet. However, harmful bacteria that may be in the soil or water where produce grows can come in contact with fruits and vegetables and contaminate them. Fresh produce may also become contaminated after it is harvested, such as during storage or preparation.

Eating contaminated produce can lead to foodborne illness, often called “food poisoning.” So as you enjoy fresh produce, follow these safe handling tips to help protect you and your family.”

You can help keep produce safe by making wise buying decisions.

Choose produce that is not bruised or damaged.
When buying pre-cut, bagged or packaged produce — choose only those items that are refrigerated or surrounded by ice.
Bag fresh fruits and vegetables separately from raw meat, poultry, and seafood, when packing them to take home from the market

Proper storage of fresh produce can affect both quality and safety.

Store perishable fresh fruits and vegetables in a clean refrigerator at a temperature of 40° F or below.
Refrigerate all produce that is purchased pre-cut or packaged.

Preparation and proper handling of fresh produce is very important.

Wash cutting boards, dishes, utensils, and counter-tops with soap and hot water, before and after use.
Use one cutting board for fresh produce and a separate one for raw meat, poultry, and seafood.
Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and warm water before and after preparation.
Cut away any damaged or bruised areas on fresh fruits and vegetables before preparing and/or eating.
Throw away any produce that looks rotten.
Wash all produce thoroughly under running water before preparing and/or eating.
Even if you do not plan to eat the skin, it is still important to wash produce first, so dirt and bacteria are not transferred from the surface when peeling or cutting produce.
Scrub firm produce, such as melons and cucumbers, with a clean produce brush.
After washing, dry produce with a clean cloth towel or paper towel to further reduce bacteria that may be present on the surface

Fresh Produce Handling Video

Safe Handling of Raw Produce and Fresh-Squeezed Fruit and Vegetable Juices

Source and for more information, visit: https://www.fda.gov