Live Healthy Live Well

Are you starting to see these markets opening up in your area?  Farmers’ markets are a great place to get locally-grown vegetables, fruits, and other foods for you and your family.

As more and more locations open each year, it is important to follow basic food safety guidelines to ensure that the fresh food you are buying is safe.  Many markets have their own food safety rules, and vendors must comply with them, as well as any applicable government regulations.  However, it is a good idea to remember to use the guidelines.

Buying and preparing produce:

• Select produce that is not damaged, bruised, or molded
• Make sure fresh fruits and vegetables are bagged separately from your meat, poultry, and seafood products
• Wash your hands for 20 seconds with warm water and soap before and after handling fresh produce
• Wash produce thoroughly under running water before eating, cutting, or cooking
• If you plan to peel the produce, you should still wash it first
• Refrigerate any cut or peeled produce within 2 hours of preparation

Eggs

• Make sure that eggs are properly chilled. The FDA requires that untreated shell eggs must be stored and displayed at 45 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Before buying them, open the carton and make sure they are clean and not cracked

Meat and Poultry

• Check to make sure the meat is kept in closed coolers or refrigerated to maintain cool temperatures
• Keep meat and poultry separate from your other purchases so the raw juices do not come in contact with your other foods
• Bring a cooler with ice or an insulated bag to keep your meat and poultry cool until you get home

Following these simple steps will help you keep your food and your family safe while supporting local growers in your area.

Sources:

Ohio State University Extension, http://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/HYG-5353

United States Department of Agriculture, http://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/food-safety-education/get-answers/food-safety-fact-sheets/safe-food-handling/basics-for-handling-food-safely/ct_index

U. S. Food and Drug Administration,

http://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/food-safety-education/get-answers/food-safety-fact-sheets/safe-food-handling/basics-for-handling-food-safely/ct_index

Writer: Tammy Jones, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences, Ohio State University Extension, Pike County, jones.5640@osu.edu

Reviewer: Jenny Lobb, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences, Ohio State University Extension, Franklin County, lobb.3@osu.edu