The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) is offering safety tips to Iowans as families visit farms, pumpkin patches and orchards to enjoy the traditional fall activities. These trips are great opportunities to create lasting memories, but public health officials warn they do come with some risks. Many of these locations feature live animals and petting zoos, which have the potential to spread disease-causing bacteria to humans. The IDPH strongly recommends visitors wash their hands frequently while at these establishments, especially before eating. Fresh produce, such as apples or pumpkins, are often sold at these venues, and it is important to clear any contaminants like dirt or chemicals before they are eaten. Additionally, fresh-pressed juice and ciders can be found at orchards or farmer’s markets. It is important to check if these products have undergone pasteurization to determine if they are safe. Past outbreaks have been linked to products that underwent incomplete or no pasteurization at all. While the risk is limited, the IDPH wants Iowans to know of the potential hazards. For more information, follow the link included below.
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https://idph.iowa.gov/cade/foodborne-illness
