December 6, 2005

Fruits and vegetables are now reported to be responsible for more large-scale outbreaks of food-borne illnesses than meat, poultry, and eggs, according to a recent report in the Wall Street Journal. Produce accounts for 6% of the outbreaks, up sharply from previous years, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Part of the increase could be attributed to the fact that people are eating more fresh fruits and vegetables than in the past.

Experts also say that an increase in imported produce could be partly to blame because the shipping process provides more opportunities for contamination. Another possible reason cited is the growing popularity of pre-cut salads because the more exposed the surface of the produce, the more opportunities for germs to enter.

Five products appear to be especially troublesome: tomatoes, melons (especially cantaloupes), lettuce, sprouts, and green onions (scallions).

It's not entirely clear how contamination happens even in washed produce, but scientists have some ideas.

Last July, for instance, salmonella-tainted tomatoes sickened 561 people in 18 states and in Canada. Experts say that while washing tomatoes wipes bacteria off the skin, salmonella can still get in through the stem or cracks in the skin, according to the Wall Street Journal report. With cantaloupes, bacteria from irrigation water, manure, or birds can slip through cracks and crevices in the rind.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned farmers in California to increase their efforts to prevent lettuce-related E. coli outbreaks. Within the FDA there is movement to tighten food safety rules for food processors and those who harvest, store, and distribute raw produce.

The produce industry is also developing more detailed food safety guidelines, recommending that farmers delay the harvest or do extra washing after heavy rains that increase the risk of contamination.

What it Means to You

Does that mean that you should stay away from fruits and vegetables? Not a chance. Fresh produce provides many of the nutrients your child needs to grow healthy and strong. And those health benefits outweigh any risk of contracting a food-borne illness. Plus, there are steps you can take to protect yourself and your family from food-borne illnesses that may be transmitted on fruits or vegetables:

• Don't buy fruit with broken skin. Bacteria can enter through the cracks and contaminate the fruit. Avoid unpasteurized ciders or juices, which also may carry germs.
• Scrub all fruits and vegetables with plain water (even if you plan on peeling them) to remove any pesticide residue or dirt that could contain bacteria.
• Wash melons, particularly cantaloupes and watermelons, before eating to avoid carrying bacteria from the rind to the knife to the inside of the fruit.
• Remove the outer leaves of leafy greens, such as spinach or lettuce.
• Avoid using wooden cutting boards, which can harbor germs. Wash any cutting board well before use.
• Make sure to properly wash your hands with warm water and soap for 20 seconds, especially after you use the bathroom, and before you prepare or eat a meal. That way, you can eliminate any germs you may have brought to the fruit and vegetables!

  Reviewed by: Kate Cronan, MD
  Date reviewed: December 2005