Contamination of fresh food is a serious health risk, but by following simple steps, you can protect yourself and your family from foodborne illness. Every year, about 48 million people get sick from food contaminated with harmful germs, with causes that may surprise you.

In addition to animal products, recent cases have shown that fruits and vegetables, such as spinach, melon, tomato and lettuce, can also be a source of contamination.

Fresh produce can be contaminated during growth by animals, harmful substances in the soil, water, and poor hygiene during the harvesting process increases the risk of contamination. Even after purchase, their storage and preparation can cause contamination.

It is recommended to choose fruits and vegetables without marks or damage, to store them properly, and to follow guidelines for their preparation and storage.