Food Safety

In Australia we enjoy one of the safest supplies of fresh produce in the world. Nevertheless it is still very important for consumers to maintain good hygiene practices in the selection, storage and preparation of all fruit and vegetables. Although raw, whole fruit and vegetables are categorised as low food safety risks, there is an increased risk of contamination once produce is damaged, cut or processed, or when unwashed raw produce is mixed with other foods.

To reduce the risk of contamination and ensure safe handling at home we suggest following these guidelines:

Buying:

• Choose fresh fruit and vegetables that are not damaged or bruised.

• Do not handle cut produce on display as this can spread germs onto the surface of the products. Use serving utensils where provided.

• Fresh fruit and vegetables should never be consumed without being washed so don’t eat loose grapes or cherries directly from the display shelves.

• If produce should drop on the floor in the store, don’t replace it on the display shelf.

• Fresh cut produce, like packaged salads, should be properly refrigerated.

• Separate fresh produce by placing each type in individual plastic or paperbags before putting them together into a carton or shopping bag.

• Bag fresh produce separately from raw foods such as meat, seafood, and dairy products and also keep separate from household chemicals.

• During summer use an esky or cooler-bag to carry fresh produce if you are not going to get them home immediately or may leave them in the car for long periods.

• Only buy your fresh fruit and vegetables from a reputable retail source and especially avoid the
temptation to buy field or wild mushrooms from road side sellers as some types, which may look appetizing, contain naturally occurring poisons.

Some people may be allergic to certain fresh fruit and vegetables, particularly nuts and seeds. Many nuts are processed on the same machinery, so traces may contaminate other varieties. If in doubt, read the label or ask the retailer.

Storing:

• Correct storage is important to the safety of fresh produce. It also assists in maintaining flavour and texture.

• Perishable fresh produce (e.g. strawberries, lettuce, herbs and mushrooms) should be stored in a clean refrigerator at below 4OC, preferably in a separate salad compartment.

• Refrigerate all cut, peeled or cooked fresh fruit and vegetables within two hours.• Prepared salads should not be left in the refrigerator for more than 3 days.

• Leftover cut fruit and vegetables should be thrown away if left at room temperature for more than two hours. Putting it back in the refrigerator may create a safety risk.

Washing:

• Produce that looks mouldy or smells “off” should be discarded.

• Discard outer leaves of leafy vegetables before washing.

• All fresh produce should be thoroughly washed under cool, running tap water, making sure all dirt has been removed before preparing or eating.

• Even if you are going to peel the produce before eating, it is still important to wash it first as bacteria on the outer surface can be transferred to the inner flesh.

• Scrub firm whole produce such as melons, carrots and cucumbers with a clean vegetable scrub brush.

• Don’t use detergents, soaps or bleach when washing produce as these products can chemically
contaminate food.

• Dry fruit and vegetables with a clean cloth or paper towel.

In Victoria, all retailers of fresh produce are required by law to be registered with their local council, to have a Food Safety Program in place, and to train staff in food hygiene.

Preparing:

• Wash hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds before and after preparing fresh fruit and vegetables.

• Clean all surfaces and utensils, such as cutting boards, counter tops, knives and peelers that come into contact with fresh produce with hot water and soap. A mild bleach solution can be applied to cutting boards and bench tops every now and again.

• Cut away any damaged or bruised areas on fresh produce as bacteria can grow in these areas, then clean your knife to prevent contaminating the rest of the produce.

• The bruised or damaged portions should be removed and thrown away.

• Once prepared, immediately place peeled or cut produce into a separate container or onto a clean plate.

Remember the 6 C’s of fresh food safety:

Choose a reputable retailer
Check for damage or bruising
Carry produce in separate bags
Chill perishable and cut produce
Clean all fruit and vegetables before use
Consign old leftover cut produce to the bin

Acknowledgements: We would like to thank Fresh Produce Watch, Foodguard Services and Food Safety Victoria for their advice in developing this brochure. All care is taken to ensure that information is correct at the time of printing and is offered as a guide only. Published by Melbourne Markets 2007. Distributed by your friendly, local greengrocer. © Copyright Melbourne Market Authority June 2007.