(HealthDay News) — Some 48 million people in the United States get sick each year from contaminated food, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration says.
And animal products aren’t the only culprit. Produce — such as spinach, lettuce, tomatoes and cantaloupe — also may be a source of foodborne illness, the agency warns.
The FDA suggests how to help ensure that your fruit and veggies are safe:
- Wash hands well with warm water and soap before and after handling produce.
- If bruising occurs during preparation, cut away damaged areas before eating.
- Rinse produce before peeling to prevent transfer of dirt and bacteria.
- Use a clean vegetable brush to scrub firm produce, such as a melon or cucumber.
- Dry produce with a clean cloth or paper towel.
- Remove the outermost leaves of a head of lettuce or cabbage.
Copyright © 2024 HealthDay. All rights reserved.