Fresh produce a potential source of poisoning, warns authority

With hepatitis, e-coli, listeria, and other foodborne illnesses increasing across Europe, fresh produce has been identified as a potential source of food poisoning.

Fruits and vegetables such as melons, berries, leafy greens, tomatoes, legumes, grains, and sprouted seeds pose the biggest threat of illness for consumers, according to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

“A lot of fresh produce is eaten raw so any harmful bugs that may be in the produce will not be removed by cooking,” said Food Safety Authority Ireland (FSAI) CEO Pamela Byrne.