ABSTRACT
In recent years, consumers have been demanding and purchasing more foods that they consider healthful. Fruits and vegetables have always been viewed as healthy, but recently their importance in the diet has been especially emphasized. Conse quently, consumers are purchasing more of these products (14). Although canned and frozen products are still important, sales of fresh fruits and vegetables have enjoyed a dramatic increase in domestic production and in international trade. Not coincidentally, the consideration of fruits and vegetables as a source of foodbome illness, once a rarity, has become a major concern for government regulatory agen cies. This chapter addresses the aspects of production, processing, and distribution of produce that are important to food safety. Ways to minimize risk are also dis cussed.
