Lebanon OH
9-11-2026 10:55pm

September Is National Food Safety Education Month

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Kings Mills, OH -- September marks National Food Safety Education Month. Mercy Health is reminding individuals and families that food safety begins well before a meal reaches the kitchen table. From selecting fruits and vegetables at the grocery store or farmers market to washing, preparing, storing, and serving them at home, simple precautions can help reduce the risk of foodborne illness.

The reminder comes as several recent foodborne-illness investigations have highlighted the importance of safe produce handling. In 2026, federal and state health officials investigated a multistate outbreak of Cyclospora infections linked to shredded iceberg lettuce, while another investigation identified frozen organic blueberries as the likely source of an E. coli outbreak.

Produce is an important part of a healthy diet, but it can also carry bacteria, viruses, or parasites that can cause illness. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, produce accounts for an estimated 46% of foodborne illnesses among the food categories studied, with leafy vegetables representing the individual produce category associated with the most illnesses.

“Fresh fruits and vegetables are an important part of a healthy diet, and people should continue to enjoy them,” said Sarah R. Kirabo, MD, a primary care provider with Mercy Health. “The key is making food safety part of the routine, from the time you purchase food through the time you eat it.”

Mercy Health has previously highlighted the importance of keeping foods that should be cold at safe temperatures. Dr. Kirabo advises consumers attending picnics, potlucks, and other gatherings to avoid foods that have been sitting out for extended periods, particularly shared dishes such as potato salad and pasta salad.

Food Safety Starts at the Store

Steps to take when purchasing produce and other perishable foods:

  • Choose produce that is fresh and free from significant bruising or damage. Damaged areas can provide opportunities for germs to enter or spread.
  • Keep fruits and vegetables separate from raw meat, poultry, and seafood while shopping and transporting groceries.
  • Choose refrigerated or frozen foods toward the end of your shopping trip so they spend as little time as possible outside temperature-controlled environments.
  • Take groceries home promptly. Refrigerate or freeze perishable foods as soon as possible after shopping.
  • Pay attention to recalls and food-safety alerts. Consumers can check current FDA recalls and outbreak information before consuming products that may be affected.
  • Ask questions at farmers markets. Shoppers can ask vendors where products were grown, how they were handled and whether items requiring refrigeration have been kept appropriately cold.

Kirabo says it’s important to remember that washing produce does not make recalled food safe. If a food has been recalled or health officials advise consumers not to eat it, the safest action is to follow the recall instructions and discard or return the product as directed.

September also marks the beginning of a particularly appealing season for farmers’ markets across the region. As summer transitions into fall, markets often feature locally grown apples, pumpkins, squash, peppers, tomatoes, greens, and other seasonal produce.

Farmers markets can be an excellent way for families to find locally grown fruits and vegetables while supporting area farmers and agricultural producers. Shopping locally, however, does not eliminate the need for food-safety precautions.

Folks should still follow the same basic food-safety principles they use at the grocery store. Protect perishable items from excessive heat, separate them from raw animal products during transportation, and store them promptly at home. Handle and wash produce properly before eating.

“Farmers markets are a wonderful opportunity to enjoy seasonal foods and connect with the people who grow them,” said Kirabo. “Just remember that fresh and local does not mean food safety can be overlooked. Safe handling is important regardless of where you purchase your food.”

Foodborne illness can cause symptoms including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever. Some infections can become serious, particularly in young children, older adults, pregnant individuals, and people with weakened immune systems. The FDA estimates that approximately 48 million Americans experience foodborne illness each year, resulting in about 128,000 hospitalizations and 3,000 deaths.

Anyone experiencing severe or persistent symptoms, signs of dehydration, bloody diarrhea, a high fever, or other concerning symptoms should contact a health care provider. People at higher risk for serious complications should seek medical advice promptly if they believe they may have a foodborne illness.

This September, Mercy Health encourages families to make food safety part of every shopping trip, farmers market visit, and meal preparation, helping ensure that the fruits and vegetables that nourish our families are handled as safely as possible from farm to table. To learn more or to book an appointment, visit mercy.com


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