As spring approaches, it's the perfect time to enjoy fresh fruits, vegetables, and juices. However, these foods are often consumed raw, so safe handling is crucial. Foodborne pathogens multiply faster in warmer weather, heightening the need for vigilance as temperatures rise.
Select produce without bruises or damage.
Choose pre-cut or fresh-cut items like halved watermelons or sliced salads that are refrigerated or on ice.
Keep produce separate from raw meat, poultry, and seafood in your cart and bags.
Before eating, cutting, or cooking, rinse uncut produce under running water and pat dry with a clean cloth or paper towel to minimize pathogens.
Even if peeling, wash first to prevent transferring dirt or germs from the skin.
Avoid soap, detergent, or commercial cleaners—these can be absorbed even after rinsing and cause illness.
Scrub firm produce like melons with a clean brush.
For pre-packaged items, check the label: if marked 'pre-washed and ready-to-use,' no further washing is needed.
Wash hands before and after food prep.
Clean cutting boards, plates, utensils, and surfaces with hot, soapy water between handling raw meats and ready-to-eat foods.
Dishwasher-safe plastic or non-porous boards? Run them through the cycle.
Trim away bruised or damaged parts before eating or juicing.
Discard any produce that looks spoiled.
Refrigerate perishable cut produce at 4.5°C or below in a clean fridge. Always chill pre-cut or peeled items.
Store raw meat, poultry, and seafood to prevent juices from dripping onto produce.
Young children, older adults, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems—like transplant patients, people with HIV/AIDS, cancer, or diabetes—face higher risks of severe illness or death from unpasteurized juices harboring pathogens.
Seek pasteurized or treated juices in refrigerated sections, freezers, or shelf-stable boxes, bottles, or cans.
Unpasteurized juices in refrigerated packs from stores must carry a warning label. Freshly squeezed juice sold by the glass may not. If unsure, always ask!
