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Food Poisoning Prevention: Produce Safety

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Fred Pritzker
Pritzker| Ruohonen & Associates, P.A.
Plaza VII, Suite 2950
45 South Seventh Street
Minneapolis, MN 55402-1652
Telephone: 612-338-0202
Email: info@pritzkerlaw.com
Website: http://www.pritzkerlaw.com/

Preventing Food Poisoning: Produce Handling and Preparation Minneapolis, Minnesota—February 6, 2006—According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), food poisoning causes an estimated 76 million cases of human illness in the United States each year. Many of these cases are caused by produce that has been contaminated with a foodborne pathogen like E. coli, Hepatitis A, or Norovirus. Consumers can protect themselves by using safety measures when handling produce. 1.) Separate produce and meats/fish in the grocery cart. 2.) Keep produce and meats separate in the refrigerator, and place meat/fish in the meat drawer or on the bottom shelf in a tray. 3.) Wash hands, cutting boards, knives, and sinks before and after produce preparation. 4.) If possible use a separate cutting board and preparation area for produce. 5.) Although most sources say washing produce in cold water is adequate, produce can be washed in hot water, even lettuce, which will regain its crispness after being rinsed in cold water. 6.) Use a colander to rinse produce to allow any pathogens to be washed away. 7.) Use a vegetable brush to scrub off thick-skinned produce, particularly melons. 8.) Do not use detergents, soaps, or bleach to wash off. 9.) Do not use spoiled produce.

Here are three excellent sources for produce preparation tips:

“Best Ways to Wash Fruits and Vegetables,” a University of Maine Cooperative Extension Bulletin;
“Safe Handling of Fruits and Vegetables,” a University of California publication; and
The Tri-State Fruit and Vegetable Consortium.

Pritzker | Ruohonen also offers information on food safety and food poisoning at www.pritzkerlaw.com/food-safety. According to senior partner Fred Pritzker, “I have seen how devastating food poisoning can be for victims and their families. Those of us with an understanding of foodborne illness and its consequences have to continuously work at educating the public regarding food safety.” Fred Pritzer is currently lead counsel for victims of the 2002 Northeast United States Listeriosis outbreak that killed 12 people and injured more than 50 others. Fred Pritzker can be reached for questions regarding food safety law at info@pritzkerlaw.com or toll-free at 1-888-377-8900. To learn about attorney Fred Pritzker, please see Food Poisoning: Attorney and Lawyer.

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Foodborne Outbreaks

Oklahoma E. coli: An Oklahoma E. coli outbreak may be linked to a Locust Grove restaurant.
Nebraska Beef Lawsuit: Nebraska Beef, Ltd. has recalled millions of pounds of beef products and has been linked to 2 outbreaks.
Massachusettes E. coli: A Massachusettes E. coli outbreak has been linked to Nebraska Beef products and Coleman Meat products.
Whole Foods Market Lawsuit: The Whole Foods Market E. coli outbreak is part of the Massachusettes E. coli outbreak above.
Virginia E. coli - Goshen Scout Reservation: Dozens of scouts were sickened in an E. coli outbreak linked to beef.
Georgia E. coli - Barbecue Pit Lawsuit
Ohio E. coli Outbreak: Ground beef may have sickened people in both Michigan and Ohio.
Michigan E. coli Outbreak: Ground beef may have sickened people in both Michigan and Ohio.
Multi-State Salmonella Saintpaul Outbreak: Tomatoes have sickened hundreds of people throughout the United States.
Minnesota Preschool E. coli: Outbreak associated with Wonder World Preschool in Slayton, Minnesota.
Washington E. coli Lettuce: Outbreak associated with commercial romaine lettuce.
Texas Salmonella Saintpaul - Tomato: Outbreak most likely caused by Roma, red plum and/or red round tomatoes.
New Mexico Salmonella Saintpaul Linked to Tomatoes: Outbreak most likely caused by Roma, red plum and/or red round tomatoes.
Nebraska E. coli Outbreak Associated with Roast Beef
Hepatitis A - La Mesa California Chipotle - Lawyer and Lawsuit: San Diego County hepatitis A outbreak
Salmonella - Puffed Rice Recall and Puffed Wheat Recall: Malt-O-Meal cereal recall.
Minnesota Salmonella - Milford Valley Farms Lawsuit: Frozen chicken product.
Salmonella - Agropecuaria Montelibano Cantaloupe Recall: Cantaloupe from Honduras.
Salmonella Litchfield Cantaloupe Lawsuit: Recall of Dole, Chiquita and other brands.
Honolulu E. coli - Sekiya's Lawsuit and Lawyer: E. coli associated with Hawaii restaurant.
Alabama E. coli - Church Supper: Outbreak associated with Eastern Shore Baptis Church.
E. coli - Rochester Meat Company Recall and Lawsuit: Ground beef recall.
E. coli - Jeno's and Totino's Pizza Recall and Lawsuit: Pepperoni on pizza.
E. coli - Topps Recall and Lawsuit: Hamburger patty recall.
E. coli - Cargill/Sam's Club Recall and Lawsuit: Ground beef patty recall.
Listeria - Whittier Farms Recall and Lawsuit: Miscarriage and death linked to milk.
Hawaii Salmonella - Tuna Recall and Lawsuit
Salmonella - Safeway Ground Beef Recall and Lawsuit

What We Do

Foodborne Illness