A recent listeria outbreak linked to peaches, plums, and nectarines has raised concerns about food safety and prompted consumers to be more cautious about their grocery choices. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this outbreak has affected 11 people in seven states and resulted in one fatality. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of food safety measures and awareness.
Meghan Elarde, who experienced a severe case of food poisoning, has become a more cautious shopper as a result. She now prefers hydroponically grown lettuce, which is cultivated in a controlled environment without soil and pesticides, from Tom’s Market in Warrenville, Illinois. Her experience has made her “way more concerned” about the safety of her groceries.
Consumer Reports has identified bagged lettuce and other leafy greens as the number one risk on its list of 10 Risky Recalled Foods. These foods have been associated with numerous illnesses, outbreaks, and recalls due to the various stages they go through before reaching consumers. Bagged lettuce is grown in fields, processed, cut, and packaged, providing multiple opportunities for contamination.
Sana Mujahid, a food microbiologist and Consumer Reports’ director of food safety, recommends buying whole fruit and cutting it yourself to reduce the risk associated with pre-cut fruit. Additionally, cheese and deli meats, ground beef, onions, turkey, chicken, papaya, melons, and flour have also made it onto Consumer Reports’ list of risky foods.
Contaminated irrigation water can transfer pathogens to melons if their rinds come into contact with it. Bruised onions and produce can also introduce bacteria, potentially leading to gastrointestinal issues, which can be severe for individuals with compromised immune systems.
The CDC reports that over 3,000 people die from foodborne illnesses in the U.S. annually. Experts emphasize the importance of staying informed about food recalls and practicing safe food handling and preparation to minimize the risk of foodborne illnesses.