There’s no denying the convenience of pre-prepared produce: What time-strapped cook can resist a plastic-wrapped array of melons pineapples carrots and other fruits and veggies that are already peeled and ready to go? But pre-prepared produce comes with its own set of complicated factors to consider before you buy it. Did you know that those pre-prepared servings of your daily fruits and veggies could come with a side of bacterial contamination?
| Channel | Publish Date | Thumbnail & View Count | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|
 Plant Based Science London | 2020-09-14 12:46:22 |  19,435 Views |
The Reason You Shouldn't Eat Pre-Cut Fruits and Vegetables
No food is immune to disease-causing bacteria but there’s a big reason why pre-cut produce carries more risks than fresh produce. Uncut fruits and vegetables are protected by their peels and skins which protect the flesh inside from bacteria. When the peel is cut or removed that protective layer is thrown in the trash potentially introducing dangerous bacteria like E. coli or salmonella into your produce.
There have been several recalls of pre-cut fruits and vegetables in recent years following widespread incidents of foodborne illness. Prepared melons are proving to be a common culprit in 2023. Next time you go to the grocery store think twice before buying containers and cups of fruit salad or mixed vegetables.
Buying fresh fruits and vegetables can help you avoid the pitfalls of pre-cut produce but it’s not a guaranteed protection. Improper handling is a problem with all types of produce causing contamination via bacteria on machinery and workers’ hands. Mistakes such as using unclean tools or cross-contamination of cut surfaces can pose risks when handling fresh ingredients.
