As we move through the summer months, the Alliance for Food and Farming (AFF) has many produce safety resources to help everyone enjoy eating more fruits and vegetables every day at safefruitsandveggies.com.  Here are just a few examples:

Farmers Market Guide:  The AFF has a helpful guide with a list of considerations for choosing vendors at farmers’ markets to ensure that the food you buy is grown safely and in a responsible manner.  Not only does this guide assist consumers with food safety information but also includes suggested questions to ask that can help you learn more from the farmers you meet.

Washing Fruits and Veggies:  Properly washing and handling all fruits and vegetables can help remove dirt, bacteria and any residues which may be present.  Use the AFF’s quick guide and infographics for easy reference.

Safety Standards:  Do you want to learn more about the stringent laws and regulations governing the approval and use of pesticides on organic and conventional farms?  The AFF’s Safety Standards section provides one-stop shopping with a compilation of those regulations from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Federal Food and Drug Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency.  No reason to visit multiple government websites – the AFF has easy answers to your questions as well as relevant links.

Facts, Not Fear:  What information reassures consumers about the safety of organic and conventional produce?  We asked them and the results can be found in the Facts, Not Fear section of the website.  Did you know that almost 90% of consumers responded favorably to nutrition facts and said nutrition information raised their confidence about produce safety?

A Dozen Reasons:  And, speaking of nutrition, the “A Dozen Reasons” section of the website provides the health benefits of eating more fruits and vegetables every day along with some other fun facts, like how consuming more produce can improve your complexion, strengthen hair and help you sleep better.

Decades of nutritional studies show that a produce-rich diet improves health, prevents disease and increases your life span.  Safefruitsandveggies.com is an information resource developed to help increase consumption of these nutrient-dense foods by reassuring consumers about their choices.  Both organic and conventional fruits and vegetables are safe and can be eaten with confidence.  Don’t let anyone or any group discourage you from eating these healthy and safe foods.