How to Handle Fresh Produce Fresh and tasty!

 

 

What can you do at home to reduce the risk of contamination of fresh produce? The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) knows that food contamination is on many peoples’ minds, and has a few tips to share:

• Choose produce that is not bruised or damaged.
• Refrigerate or chill produce immediately after purchase.
• Wash hands in warm water and soap before and after handling fresh produce.
• Wash fresh fruits and vegetables with cool tap water. Air dry or dry with a paper towel.
• Scrub firm produce such as melons and cucumbers with a clean hard bristle brush under cool running tap water to remove germs from the skin.
• Cut away any bruised or damaged areas with a clean knife.
• Don’t cross contaminate. Always wash and sanitize cutting boards, counters, utensils and dishes that come in contact with raw meat, fish or poultry before using to prepare fresh produce.