Food safety experts are warning consumers to steer clear of certain items at the grocery store in order to avoid food-borne illness. At the top of their list are bagged, pre-washed greens. According to Barbara Kowalcyk, director of the Institute for Food Safety and Nutrition Security at George Washington University, produce that claims to be pre-washed can be a breeding ground for bacteria, making it best to buy whole heads of lettuce and wash them at home with water and paper towels.
Barbara Kowalcyk also recommends avoiding sprouts and cantaloupe, which can also trap bacteria due to their webbed rind. Darin Detwiler, a food regulatory policy professor, refers to cantaloupe as one of the most deadly pieces of produce due to its perfect pH balance, making it difficult to clean. Don Schaffner, a food science professor at Rutgers University, warns that most fruit, especially if it has been sitting out for long periods of time, can pose a risk of bacterial contamination.
Food poisoning symptoms from bacteria like listeria or E. coli can include nausea, vomiting, fever, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, with some cases resulting in hospitalization or death. The recent McDonald’s E. coli outbreak, which has killed one person in Colorado and spread to multiple states, has brought attention to the importance of food safety. The fast-food chain’s supplier recalled yellow onions, prompting other restaurants to do the same out of an abundance of caution.
According to Don Schaffner, the more food is processed from the farm to the table, the more risk there is for it to be contaminated with bacteria. He explains that the more manipulation is done to food, the more opportunities there are for something to go wrong, ultimately posing a risk to consumers. These risks highlight the importance of understanding potential sources of contamination in order to prevent food-borne illnesses from occurring.
Food safety experts recommend avoiding certain items at the grocery store in order to minimize the risk of contracting food-borne illnesses. Bagged, pre-washed greens, sprouts, and cantaloupe are among the items that experts advise consumers to stay away from due to the potential for bacterial contamination. By opting for whole heads of lettuce and washing them at home, consumers can reduce their risk of exposure to harmful bacteria that can lead to food poisoning.
Consumers should also be cautious of fruit that has been sitting out for extended periods of time, as it can harbor bacteria that may not be visible but can still cause illness. The recent E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald’s has brought attention to the importance of food safety and the potential risks associated with processed foods that have been manipulated from farm to table. By being aware of these risks and taking necessary precautions, consumers can protect themselves from food-borne illnesses and enjoy their meals safely.
