Fresh fruits and vegetables that have been partially or completely submerged in flood water, or that might have come in contact with contaminated water, are not safe to consume. There is a high health risk of becoming sick from consuming these products. Flood water may be contaminated with sewage, animal waste, heavy metals, pathogenic microorganisms, or other contaminants. These contaminants are not only on the surface of the fruits and vegetables, but may move into plant tissues. The Food and Drug Administration considers these products “adulterated” and not fit for consumption. (Note: Pooled or standing water after a rainfall that is not likely to be contaminated should not be considered flooding.)
Produce from flood-damaged gardens should not be sold at the farmers market or farm stand until the risk of contamination is gone. Produce should also not be used for home canning, freezing or other types of preserving.
If your garden is in close proximity to a flooded area but has not come in contact with flood water, prevent cross contamination by cleaning equipment, this includes shoes, before going from contaminated area to garden into other areas.
If an unplanted field or a section ready for replant has been partially or completely flooded, treat soil as if it was treated with fresh manure. Do not harvest produce grown in field for 120 days. This will give time for bacteria to break down and any contaminants to be leached out of the soil.
As always, proper food handling methods in the kitchen are important for food safety. They include, washing hands while preparing food; cleaning and disinfecting work surfaces, equipment and supplies; using potable water; and, “if in doubt, throwing it out”.
Yeah makes total sense who knows what the flood waters came in contact with and if your fruits and vegetables were under flood waters never consume them. Gross!
Even if it didn't come in contact with flood waters but was very close definitely handle with care. You could be going back and forth from contaminated flood waters back to your non contaminated garden. Phew be careful for sure.
This is excellent info.
Yeah makes total sense who knows what the flood waters came in contact with and if your
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