Kids Food Safety: How do I prepare and serve fresh produce safely?

All produce should be thoroughly washed before eating. This includes conventional and organic produce, whether grown at home or purchased from a grocery store or farmers market.

Wash fruits and vegetables under running water just before eating, cutting or cooking. Even if you plan to peel the produce before eating, it's still important to wash it first. Don't use soap or detergent. The new vegetable sprays and washes also work well. They're made of natural organic acids and can reduce the pathogens on produce in greater numbers than water alone.

Scrub firm produce, such as melons and cucumbers, with a clean produce brush. Drying produce with a clean cloth or paper towel may further reduce bacteria.

Cut away any damaged or bruised areas on fresh fruits and vegetables before preparing or eating, and discard produce that looks rotten.