The researchers did not collect any data on possible illnesses that might have resulted from unclean food handling practices, Dr. Cutter notes.
Dr. Cutter says the study began after Dr. Scheinberg observed unsanitary practices at a farmers’ market, including a pickup truck selling meat marked “not for sale.” Pennsylvania requires the USDA to inspect meat sold to the public, she says.
Consumers should also take the initiative and say something to the vendor if they see something unsanitary.
“Call out the vendor for not changing gloves,” says Dr. Cutter. “If more consumers do it, it may change the tide.”
Additionally, consumers need to safely handle the food they buy. Dr. Cutter notes that during a poll she and some students conducted on an 85-degree Fahrenheit day in a pop-up tent market, one person answering the survey had her own bad practices.
“One woman bought three cold chickens on ice, then came over to fill out a survey, sat down, and put the chicken on a hot pavement,” says Dr. Cutter. “I asked if she wanted to put it up on the table but she said no. It was on the hot ground for 45 minutes.
“I am a microbiologist,” Dr. Cutter continues. “I kept thinking about how many times microorganisms were growing on the chicken while I was talking to her.”
Next steps include more education.
“Vendors don’t understand cross-contamination,” Dr. Cutter says. “We have some work to do. My hope is that other states will implement this [educational program] for this underserved audience.”
Their findings were published in the November 1 issue of Food Protection Trends.
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