Safer Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Fresh fruits and vegetables
are important to the health and well-being of Americans and we
enjoy one of the safest supplies of fresh produce in the world.
However, although low, the proportion of foodborne illness
associated with fresh fruits and vegetables has increased over
the last several years. As health and nutrition experts continue
to recommend we add more fruits and vegetables to a healthy
daily diet, it becomes increasingly important that consumers
know how to handle them properly. At the point of purchase -
Check to be sure that the fresh fruits and vegetables you buy
are not bruised or damaged - Check that fresh cut fruits and
vegetables like packaged salads and precut melons are
refrigerated at the store before buying. Do not buy fresh cut
items that are not refrigerated. When in doubt, throw it out! -
Throw away fresh fruits and vegetables that have not been
refrigerated within two hours of cutting, peeling or cooking -
Remove or throw away bruised or damaged po