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USA: Local fruit and vegetables

The USA has a wide range of fruit and vegetables all year: apples, berries, citrus, avocado, squash, corn and sweet potato.

Last updated: ~1 min read
On a dark navy background, crates of fruit.
Figure 1.Market — USA: Local fruit and vegetables

01Short answer

Wash fruit and vegetables under running water; scrub firm-skinned produce (melon, cantaloupe, cucumber) with a brush, because germs can be carried inside when cutting. Raw sprouts (alfalfa, mung bean) are considered risky; eat them only fully cooked. Choose pre-cut fruit and unpasteurised fresh juices (including cider) with care. Farmers market produce also needs washing. During neutropenia, follow your team’s rule on raw fruit and vegetables.

02Simple explanation

Wash: everything.

Brush: firm skins.

Sprouts: cook them.

03Scientific explanation

Cantaloupe: outbreaks linked to Listeria and Salmonella have been recorded in the USA.

Cold chain: keep cut fruit in the fridge.

04What happens in the body?

Market

Seasonal produce; wash at home.

Cantaloupe

Scrub the rind before cutting.

On a dark navy background, a melon being scrubbed.
Figure 2.Cantaloupe — USA: Local fruit and vegetables

Sprouts

Avoid them raw.

On a dark navy background, a jar in a caution glow.
Figure 3.Sprouts — USA: Local fruit and vegetables

05Fruit and vegetables

Four steps.

Rinse — Running water.1RinseRunning water.
Scrub — Rinds.2ScrubRinds.
Cook — Sprouts.3CookSprouts.
Chill — Cut fruit.4ChillCut fruit.
SafeProperly washed.
Against infectionLower risk.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
MarketSeasonal produce; wash at home.
CantaloupeScrub the rind before cutting.
SproutsAvoid them raw.

07Key terms

Produce
Fruit and vegetables.
Sprouts
Germinated seeds.
Pre-cut fruit
Ready-cut fruit.
Unpasteurized cider
Raw apple juice.

08Key points

  • Wash everything under running water.
  • Scrub firm skins.
  • Avoid raw sprouts.
  • Keep cut fruit in the fridge.
  • Follow your team’s rule.

09Frequently asked questions

Should I use soap?

No, running water is enough.

Frozen berries?

Cooking or boiling them is safer; ask your team.

Bagged salad mixes?

Ask your team; sometimes only cooked vegetables are advised.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Should I use soap?

  2. Frozen berries?

  3. Bagged salad mixes?

My questions

12Sources

  1. World Health Organization (WHO). Five keys to safer food
  2. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Food Safety for Older Adults and People with Cancer, Diabetes, HIV/AIDS, Organ Transplants, and Autoimmune Diseases
  3. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Infection and Neutropenia during Cancer Treatment
  4. Nutrition.gov (USDA). Official website
  5. HealthCare.gov. Out-of-pocket maximum/limit
  6. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). No Surprises: understand your rights against surprise medical bills
  7. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Hospital price transparency
  8. LEP.gov (U.S. Government). Language access for people with limited English proficiency
  9. HealthIT.gov (ONC). How to get your health record
  10. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Medical bill rights
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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