You can still enjoy fresh fruits & vegetables with sensible precaution

“Cooking doesn’t kill all bacteria, but proper food handling does.” – Proverbial / Industry Wisdom

I really enjoy my salads, especially in the summer months … well maybe not so much this summer anyway!

Who among us is unaware of the current issues with the Salmonella, cyclosporiasis, and even E. coli spreading around the country this summer? In particular, the Midwest seems to be hardest-hit with these particular bacteria foes. This column will not attempt to address all the scientific data related to the unfortunate and frustrating news but hopefully can share some tips and suggestions which will make your food choices a little less confusing.

Let’s first explore the three items noted above and what foods are primarily affected by those.¹

Salmonella is a group of bacteria that causes a common foodborne illness called salmonellosis. It typically leads to diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps. People usually get sick from eating contaminated raw or uncooked poultry, eggs, meat, or unwashed produce. Most people affected will recover in one or two weeks. Currently in our area the most prevalent sources appear to be produce such as jalapenos as well as eggs and even bacon.

Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite. People get infected by eating food or drinking water contaminated with the parasite, most commonly through raw fresh produce like berries, herbs, or leafy greens. It is not spread directly from person to person. This ailment can cause severe intestinal distress, lasting for weeks or longer.

E. coli is a group of bacteria that can cause infections in your gut (GI tract), urinary tract, and other parts of your body. Most of the time, it can live in your gut without hurting you. But some strains can make you sick with watery diarrhea, vomiting and fever. E. coli can be obtained in several different ways, including eating undercooked meat, and eating unwashed raw fruits and vegetables, as well as drinking unpasteurized beverages. Poor hygiene is also a significant source of this bacterium. There are several strains of E. coli which can cause anything from intestinal distress to severe illness.

Whew! That’s a lot! AND that is only a snapshot of the sources and repercussions of these items. Summertime eats always lend themselves to fresh produce, so let’s focus on those for this column, beginning with lettuce, an unsung participant in most sandwiches, and a hero of sorts in our summertime salads.

Right now, I am really missing my lettuce and I have also backed off, for a while, from my fresh spinach. If you do purchase and use these items, please, whatever you do, wash thoroughly before eating! I am not just talking about a “rinse” but a good washing which reaches all the surface areas and underneath.

If you are eating berries, one of my favorites, again, wash your hands thoroughly prior to handling and then wash the berries completely. For apples, kiwi, peaches, etc. you should consider peeling first, and make sure any knife cuts are done by a knife that is completely clean. Cutting boards should be cleaned before and after any use so as not to cross-contaminate the surfaces.

These bacteria have been around for millennia but should not prevent us from consuming fresh fruits and vegetables we need for our nutrition. Pay attention to news alerts from scientific sources, purchase your items carefully, and wash completely before consuming.

Let’s finish this summer bounty in a healthy, nutritious manner!

¹ fda.gov

Sharon McMahon, CNWC

The opinions expressed in this article are not intended to replace advice of your personal physician or licensed health professional. Please consult your physician for any issues you may have related to nutrition or fitness activity.