Farmers Market season is in full swing, and shoppers are out in full force. Smiles are abundant, and for good reason. From watermelons in Texas to fresh greens in the northern climes, this is the season that puts local agriculture in the spotlight.
Food safety is also in the spotlight. At a recent farmers market in Mount Vernon, WA, Jack and Mary Kay Going, who were going home with some micro-greens and lettuce, said that freshness rates high on their food-safety list. They also like to buy from farmers who specialize in what they’re selling.
Cleanliness is another important “must” they look for. “The sellers should definitely have clean hands,” said Jack. “Definitely,” said Mary Kay, enthusiastically agreeing with her husband.
Over at Lopez Brothers Farms, Abi Merino and Jose Lopez were doing a brisk business selling berries and three kinds of cherries. Both were wearing gloves as they filled various sized baskets according to customers’ preferences. “We wear gloves so we don’t transfer any germs that might be on our hands to the fruit,” said Abi.
At Mexicraves, Trinidad Sahagun and JJ were happily serving an assortment of Mexican dishes to appreciative customers. “Everything is made fresh,” said Trinidad. When asked about food safety, she pointed to a hand washing station behind her.
She also said she uses a lot of ice to keep cold food cold and food warmers to keep warm food warm. “Hot things hot and cold things cold,” she said with a smile. F.
