How can food handlers ensure the freshness of produce?

Ensuring the freshness of produce is crucial for maintaining food quality and safety. Selecting items that are free from bruises and mold directly relates to freshness because these indicators often signify that the produce has been damaged or is starting to spoil. Fruits and vegetables that show signs of bruising or mold are not only less appealing but can also be at risk for pathogens that thrive on deteriorating produce. By opting for fresh, unblemished items, food handlers can provide customers with high-quality produce that is more likely to be safe for consumption.

Washing produce in hot water is not an effective practice for ensuring freshness; while it might help in cleaning off dirt and pesticides, hot water can actually cause produce to start cooking or becoming mushy, adversely affecting its freshness. Purchasing only organic produce does not guarantee freshness, as organic items can also be old or damaged, just like conventionally grown produce. Storing produce in the freezer is typically intended for preservation rather than ensuring freshness, since freezing alters the texture and quality of many fresh items. Therefore, selecting unblemished produce is the most effective strategy to maintain freshness.