Safe Produce at Home

Experts at the CDC and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommend taking these steps to reduce the risk of food-borne illness from fresh produce.

• Thoroughly rinse all your fruits and vegetables under running water before you eat them.  
• Cut away bruised and damaged areas on fruits and vegetables because they can harbor bacteria.  
• Thoroughly wash all fruits that require peeling or cutting, like melons, before eating because bacteria can transfer from the exterior to the flesh when the fruit is sliced.  
• Remove and throw away the outer leaves of lettuce or cabbage before washing and eating.  
• Don't leave sliced fruit or vegetables at room temperature for more than two hours because bacteria can thrive on the cut surface.  
• Always wash your hands before and after handling fresh produce.  
• Avoid eating sprouts because bacteria can get into the seeds before the sprouts are grown, and it's nearly impossible to wash out.

Fresh fruits and vegetables taste great and they also contain an array of vitamins, minerals, fiber and important health-promoting antioxidants.  Follow these step to enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables worry free.