We’re in the height of the gardening and Farmer’s Market season and Saskatoon Medical Health Officer Dr. Simon Kapaj says it also applies to what you grow in your own garden; give everything a good rinse with water.

He says fresh produce can contain bacteria and harmful viruses or parasites which could come from the soil or water and then come into contact with fruits and vegetables and contaminate them.

Even in your own garden it is important, despite knowing what practices you utilize to grow your produce, to use safe handling techniques when preparing raw vegetables or fruit.

That can include cleaning the produce, separate it from other foods to avoid cross-contamination and wash your hands in warm water with soap for at least 20 secs before and after handling the food.