Foods are becoming more highly processed and are increasingly treated with pesticides.  Because of this, food safety is becoming an important health issue. This handout will give you some do’s and don’ts of food safety.

Basic Food Safety Rules

1. Buy produce that is free of pesticides.  Especially buy organic fruits and vegetables if they are on the “Dirty Dozen” list below.¹ 
2. Buy meat and dairy products that are from grass-fed/grass-finished, hormone-free cattle. Buy poultry that is free of antibiotics and chemicals.  Avoid all processed meats (hot dogs, deli meats).
3. Avoid charred, smoked, and pickled foods.  They can contain high amounts of carcinogens (cancer-causing chemicals).
4. Avoid plastic bottles and food packaging that contains No. 3, 6, and 7 plastic.
5. Eat few processed and refined foods, fast take-out food, and foods containing trans fat. (Trans fats are formed when liquid fats are turned into solid fats by adding hydrogen.  This is often done to lengthen the shelf life of food products.)