Produce Safety Tips

Summer is the perfect time to enjoy an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables, but when it comes to keeping your produce safe, it’s important to keep some helpful tips in mind. Follow these safe handling suggestions to protect yourself and your family from getting ill.

> When choosing fresh produce at the store, check for signs of cuts or bruising where harmful bacteria can breed.
> Wash hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds before handling fruits and vegetables, and clean all surfaces and utensils before using to prevent contamination.
> Rinse fresh fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating.
> Separate produce from raw meat, seafood, poultry, eggs and household chemicals in your shopping cart and when you store it at home.
> Keep your refrigerator at 40° or below and refrigerate all cut, peeled and cooked fresh fruits and veggies within two hours of preparing to prevent bacteria growth.
> Throw away bruised, damaged or potentially cross-contaminated produce.