In the words of the World Health Organization (WHO), food safety is “the assurance that food will not cause harm to the consumer when it is prepared or consumed according to its intended use.” As food production and consumption increase globally, ensuring food safety is becoming more and more crucial. Any step in the food production process, including production, processing, packing, transportation, and storage, is susceptible to food contamination. Foodborne illnesses can significantly impact people’s health, resulting in hospitalization, long-term health issues, or even death.  

Due to worries about the safety of traditionally farmed food, which may be tainted by pesticides, toxic fertilizers, and growth hormones, organic food has become increasingly popular in recent years. Organic food is farmed without dangerous synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, or genetically altered organisms (GMOs). Instead, organic farmers enhance soil fertility while utilizing natural pest and disease control techniques. 

Organic food is frequently considered safer because it is thoughtlessly inclined to have been tainted by dangerous toxins. However, organic food can still be contaminated, so it’s still essential to implement the proper safety precautions to lower the possibility of contracting a foodborne illness. 

The following actions can assist in lowering the possibility of contamination of food in organic food:-

Maintain proper hygiene

It is crucial to practice good hygiene to stop the spread of dangerous bacteria that can result in foodborne illnesses. Washing your hands and worktops frequently is imperative, particularly before making food. After each use, clean and sanitize all the tools and equipment. Food must also be appropriately stored at temperatures limiting dangerous microorganisms’ development.

Purchase natural products from a reputable vendor.

It is essential to get organic food from a reputable retailer. Local food stores, co-ops, and farmers’ markets are all terrific choices. It is simple to understand where what you eat is coming from and how it was created because these establishments frequently sell organic food sourced from nearby farmers. 

Verify the certification

Various organizations, including the US Ministry of Agriculture (USDA) in the United States, regulate and certify organic food. Being grown without artificial pesticides, fertilizers, or GMOs is one of the prerequisites for certification of organic products. By looking for a certificate, you can ensure that the organic produce you purchase complies with the requirements. 

Thoroughly clean fruits and vegetables

Food cultivated organically, which avoids the usage of artificial pesticides, is nonetheless susceptible to bacterial contamination. Before eating or cooking, each vegetable and fruit must be thoroughly washed. Washing produce helps eliminate dirt, bacteria, and other dangerous elements that can lead to foodborne illnesses.

Abstain from cross-contamination

When dangerous bacteria are transported from a particular food item to another, this is known as cross-contamination. This may occur when meals are made on a surface or with contaminated tools. To avoid cross-contamination, keeping various types of food apart and using different cutting boards and utensils is crucial.

Prepare meals completely.

Any potentially hazardous germs are helped to be killed by thorough cooking. Some organic foods, including raw fruits and vegetables, don’t need to be cooked. Additional organic items like meat and poultry must be fried to a safe temperature to lessen the possibility of contamination.

Conclusion

 Although organic food is considered safer, it is nevertheless susceptible to contamination. It is essential to take the required precautions to lower the chance of contracting a foodborne illness, such as maintaining excellent hygiene, purchasing organic food from a reputable source, looking for registration, cleaning vegetables and fruit thoroughly, avoiding cross-contamination, and fully boiling food. We can ensure that natural produce is nutritious and safe to eat by following these measures.