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Farmers Market Suspected Food Poisoning Source

By Dan Flynn and Suzanna Schreck

The Iowa Department of Public Health recently announced that the agency is investigating more than 10 illnesses that may be related to a freshly prepared fruit and vegetable product sold at a farmers market in east-central Iowa. 

The health department issued the following advice to consumers who buy fresh produce from farmers markets:

* Be aware that any freshly prepared fruit or vegetable product, such as hummus, salsa, cut fruit salad, and guacamole can be a potential health risk if not handled correctly.

* All these products must be kept refrigerated, both before and after the sale.

When shopping at a farmers market, always remember:

* Only buy products from vendors who keep freshly prepared fruit and vegetable products cold, either in refrigerator units or on ice.
   
* Once purchased, keep freshly prepared fruit and vegetable products cold. If you plan to spend a lot of time at the market, bring a cooler or ice pack for storage.
   
* When you arrive home, place these products immediately in the refrigerator and eat within days.
   
* Any freshly prepared fruit or vegetable product that is not properly refrigerated should not be eaten, and should be discarded.

Full post as published by Food Safety News on July 19, 2010 (boomark / email).