Most fruits and vegetables grow in the natural environment and can be exposed to bad micro organisms like E.coli bacteria, viruses and parasites present in soil and water used for irrigation. This leads to contamination of produce. Cross contamination also occurs when produce comes in contact with raw meats during transportation and storage. If you consume this contaminated food, you may get sick with Symptoms like diarrhoea, stomach pain, vomiting or get serious illness and sometimes it leads to death.
To prevent food borne illness and to keep you and your family safe, follow these simple tips
- Purchase or choose unspoiled and undamaged vegetables
- Wash your hands before handling produce
- Wash your produce under running water.
For more information check the following link: http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/fssa/fssae.shtml