If you?ve been watching the news lately then you are aware of the number of articles and stories that have come out touting the importance of fruits and vegetables for helping to slow down the aging process and reduce health risks. You are also most likely aware that fresh produce has been the culprit in several food borne illnesses. It started with spinach, than went to tomatoes, and now it is believed to have affected lettuce The produce industry has had some health challenges over the last several months and many people are wondering why there has been this dramatic increase in produce-related outbreaks of food borne illness.

What Factors Have Given Rise To This Increase?

Several factors are at play here. First, there has been an increased consumption of fresh produce over the last several years creating the need for more produce and production facilities. As the general public has changed its eating habits to incorporate more fresh produce for its health benefits, the increase in meeting this demand has exposed some potential supply problems.

Second, fresh produce presents a special food safety challenge because it is meant to be consumed raw. Unlike meat, which can be rid of bacteria through proper cooking, raw produce has no ?Kill Step? to protect the consumer.

Third, we have an aging population that is more susceptible to food borne illnesses because their immune systems are depressed. Sad but true. Our heavy use of drugs, antibiotics, processed foods and carbonated beverages have all taken a toll on our body?s ability to defend itself.

Fourth, there is a confusing patchwork of federal and state regulations. Meat and diary products are regulated by the Department of Agriculture, but the safety of fruits and vegetables are the responsibility of the Food and Drug Administration and the states. Unfortunately, they only have jurisdiction over the processing plants. The food safety at the farm level is self-regulated. And, if the fresh produce comes directly from the farm there is no guideline for testing. With more than 12,000 production facilities and only about 3,400 inspections planned by the FDA you can begin to see the potential holes in the system for allowing food borne illnesses to affect the consumer.

Thanks For The Excuse To Go Back To Eating Greasy Hamburgers And Fries!
No, that?s not the solution either because you could just as easily get it from the lettuce and tomato on your burger. In 1970, Americans spent about $6 billion on fast foods and by the year 2000 it had increased to more than $110 billion. Just like our spending has increased so have our waistlines and all the resulting health issues like diabetes, osteoporosis, and obesity. Obesity related illness now exceed those from cigarette smoking. So, please don?t stop eating your vegetables? Just take some precautionary steps like:

1. Always wash your fresh vegetables and fruits. Don?t assume they come to you clean.
2. Don?t forget about the vegetables that are frozen like peas, cut green beans, and broccoli. They?re a good choice, too.
3. If something doesn?t taste right on the first bite, then don?t eat the rest of it. If you?re at home, then toss it out. If you?re in a restaurant, then ask the server to replace it.
4. Take the steps to boost your immune system naturally. Supplement your diet with Vitamin C and E, Beta-carotene, and certain minerals and amino acids that will help boost your immune system.
5. Be proactive in your health. Too many people today believe it?s the job of the government, manufacturer, producer, etc. to watch over us and take care of us. President Reagan said this about Russia and it applies to our food supply, ?Trust but verify!?

You haven?t stopped driving your car just because someone had an accident. So, don?t let the threat of E. coli and other food borne illnesses stop you from enjoying one of the primary ways that you can improve your health and slow down the aging process which is eating your fruits and vegetables.