Food Safety

The recent Cyclospora outbreak, along with the recent recall of eggs and organic blueberries, has left us all unsettled and wondering what is safe to eat.

Food born illnesses are especially harmful to seniors, young children, and those with compromised immune systems.

While we don’t have direct control over the safety practices and oversight of the vast food industry producing our food, it is a stark reminder that food safety practices in our own home should always be present. Food safety is always important and should be a priority for our health and well-being.

Buying produce from local farms and farmers markets can be a good practice in helping avoid food borne illnesses. Talk to the farmer about their safety practices. Ask questions. A home garden can provide control in preventing potential food born illnesses if it is done safely and properly.

While convenient, avoid bagged lettuce and precut fruits and vegetables as these increase the risk for bacteria.

Wash your produce. Always. Even the outside to remove potential germs and bacteria which can get into the inside when cutting.

Do not store your produce below or in the vicinity of uncooked meats.

Soak your produce in water and rinse thoroughly. Use a fruit/vegetable scrubber. You can also soak your produce in water and mix in vinegar or baking soda. Do not use bleach or other harmful and toxic cleaning products.

Regularly clean your sink and let it air dry.

Wash your hands with regular soap, especially before and after handling or cooking any foods, using the restroom, or even touching your face.

Washing produce does not get rid of food born illnesses, but it is step to getting rid of pesticides and bacteria that may be harmful.

Only cooking foods to a specific temperature can kill food borne illnesses.

Invest in a food thermometer to be sure foods have reached the proper temperatures to kill all bacteria and food borne illnesses. Invest in a refrigerator thermometer to ensure foods are kept at the proper temperatures to avoid bacterial growth.

Stay informed!

We all need to be our own best advocates for food safety. Follow links for more detailed information.

Denise Andreas, dandreas@swcaa.org

More Reasons to Grow Your Own Food or Buy Local

Outbreak Investigation of E. coli O145:H28: Frozen Blueberries (July 2026) | FDA

Outbreak Investigation of Salmonella: Eggs (July 2026) | FDA

Cyclospora Outbreak Linked to Iceberg Lettuce | Cyclosporiasis | CDC

About Handwashing | Clean Hands | CDC

Refrigerator Thermometers – Cold Facts about Food Safety | FDA