First food: Scallions. Dirt: Studies have found that scallions contain parasites such as Cryptosporidium, Shigella, and Salmonella. Supermarket avoidance method: Buy frozen scallions, as indoor environments are prone to bacterial growth. Home avoidance method: Turn the faucet on full blast to wash the dirt, and peel the outer skin of the scallions while cleaning.
Second food: Chicken. Dirt: A study of 484 broiler chickens found that 42% were infected with Campylobacter and 12% with Salmonella. The latest survey found that Americans eat 70 pounds (35 kg) of chicken per person per year, more than beef, pork, and free-range chicken. Supermarket avoidance method: Choose chickens raised in free-range farms. These chickens have larger living spaces and are slaughtered in smaller batches, making them safer. Home avoidance method: To avoid food poisoning, soak the raw meat in clean water after purchasing it, instead of placing it directly on a baking dish. This shortcut can prevent infections from chicken and other foods. Remember to clean the knife and cutting board when cutting meat.
Third food: Ground beef. Dirt: A survey of meat in hamburgers found that it contains 53% Clostridium perfringens, 30% Staphylococcus, and 12% Listeria. Supermarket avoidance method: At the supermarket, choose irradiated ground beef, which is usually marked with an irradiation label on the packaging. Home avoidance method: Adding fresh oregano oil to beef can prevent the growth of E. coli.
Fourth food: Eggs. Dirt: Although pasteurization has reduced the amount of Salmonella in eggs to very low levels, eggs still contain bacteria. Choose fully cooked eggs instead of runny fried eggs. Supermarket avoidance method: Pay attention to the egg carton; look for words indicating it has been pasteurized and check the expiration date. Check each egg for cracks, as bacteria can easily get in through them. Home avoidance method: Store eggs in their carton in the coolest part of the refrigerator. Remember to wash your hands after handling eggs.
Fifth food: Ground turkey. Dirt: This is potentially the dirtiest poultry meat. Studies have found that one-quarter of ground turkey contains Listeria, Campylobacter, Clostridium, or a combination of the three. Supermarket avoidance method: Choose organic turkey. At checkout, use a dedicated meat bag for the turkey. Home avoidance method: Change your mindset about poultry. Imagine the poultry is contaminated. Use high heat to sanitize and clean dishes that have held raw turkey; wipe them with a paper towel, not a sponge.
Sixth food: Raw oysters. Dirt: Raw oysters contain Norovirus (a pathogen found in the ocean), Campylobacter, and Vibrio, which can cause diarrhea. Supermarket avoidance method: Buy oysters that have been handled by a famous chef. Home avoidance method: It's simple: just eat cooked oysters. If you must eat raw oysters, be sure to read the purchase recommendations carefully.
Seventh food: Pre-packaged lettuce. Dirt: Studies have found that 11% of food poisoning cases are caused by pre-packaged lettuce. Supermarket avoidance method: Lettuce wrapped in plastic wrap is not free of pathogens; you can choose loose vegetables. Home avoidance method: Before eating, wash each leaf of the lettuce under running tap water.
Eighth food: Peaches. Dirt: To make the surface of peaches look smooth and clean, farmers spray pesticides on them several weeks before harvesting. It is reported that by the time peaches reach consumers, their surfaces are already covered with 9 layers of pesticides. Supermarket avoidance method: Use bags with an organic label to store peaches and other fruits. Home avoidance method: Many products have a layer of wax to preserve the effect of pesticides, so you can wash off this layer with a sponge or brush.
Ninth food: Cold cuts. Dirt: Studies have found that cold cuts can easily cause Listeria, as Listeria thrives in cold environments. Supermarket avoidance method: Avoid buying cold cuts from delicatessens. Home avoidance method: Spread mustard on sandwiches, as it can kill 90% of Listeria, E. coli, and Salmonella within 2 hours.