Tomatoes – are they safe?

And what about lettuce? avocados? cantaloupe?

Here are some links to university and government research with updates on how to be sure the fresh produce you bring home is safe to eat as well as nutritionally sound and just plain delicious.

Salmonellosis Outbreak in Certain Types of Tomatoes by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.  The FDA is coordinating the nationwide consumer alert regarding the salmonella outbreak on tomatoes. This web site has the latest information about the outbreak, a list of states and countries producing uncontaminated tomatoes, information about Salmonella and safe handling of raw produce and fresh-squeezed fruit and vegetable juices.

Food Safety links to a variety of government agencies that provide information on safe summer eating.  Included are: summer food safety advice, outdoor eating food safety tips, food safety for moms-to-be, barbecue food safety tips, Fourth of July food safety guidelines.

Guidelines for Washing Produce, a fact sheet from Cornell University Cooperative Extension provides produce rinse products sold at grocery stores, chlorine bleach/water solutions (not recommended), cleaning fruits and vegetables contaminated with parasites, pesticide residues, and safe farm practices.

Safe Handling of Fruits and Vegetables from University of California at Davis lists purchasing, storage, and preparation tips, plus details about washing hands, sinks, cutting boards, as well as fruits and vegetables.

This information is important for daily food preparation, not simply as a response to a particular contamination outbreak. Follow these suggestions and guidelines and enjoy the bounty of summer produce.    ~ Linda S.