Whole vs Precut Produce

We all want to save time in the kitchen, but at what point is there a chance that we will sacrifice food safety for convenience? Outbreaks in produce (in which two or more people are affected) account for about half of all food recalls. How can we prepare produce quickly while ensuring it’s safe to eat?

Fresh produce can become contaminated in many ways: during the growing phase by animals in the fields, harmful substances in the soil or water, or poor hygiene among workers. After harvesting, produce may pass through many hands, increasing the contamination risk.

Pre-cut produce may go through many stages of large commercial cutting, washing, and packaging, increasing the risk of contamination.

1. Wash your hands for 20 seconds with warm water and soap before and after preparing fresh produce.
2. If damage or bruising occurs before eating or handling, remove the damaged or bruised areas before preparing or eating.
3. Wash produce BEFORE you peel it, so dirt and bacteria aren’t transferred from the knife onto the fruit or vegetable. Bacteria such as salmonella don’t typically multiply on the surface of a fruit or vegetable with a hard peel, but once they’re sliced, bacteria have a chance to multiply.
4. Wash your produce right before eating it by gently rubbing it or using a vegetable brush while holding it under running water. Don’t soak your produce; that can increase contamination. I spray Veggie Wash on my produce, but just water is sufficient too. My little colander is my most used kitchen tool!
5. Dry produce with a clean cloth or paper towel to further reduce bacteria that may be present.
6. Remove the outermost leaves of a head of lettuce or cabbage. These heads grow from the outside, so the outermost leaves are the oldest, helping to protect the younger inner leaves from weather and harmful substances.

You can reduce the risk of harmful bacteria contamination by buying whole heads of lettuce instead of salad kits and trimming and cutting your own fruits and veggies at home. Plan your meals ahead to save time at dinner, breakfast, or when packing lunches.