Purdue hosts conference after fruit recall

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WISH) - On Tuesday morning, food safety conference will kick off in an effort to prevent outbreaks of food borne illnesses like much of the country saw last year.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, 261 people in 24 states were sickened by a form of salmonella in cantaloupe. Three people died in Kentucky and prompted a recall of the fruit. The outbreak was linked to the Chamberlain Farms of Owensville, Ind. in the southwestern part of the state.

To prevent this, Purdue University is holding a conference at 9 a.m. Tuesday morning. The meeting will cover safe handling of fruit. There will also be discussion on the prevention and investigation of food borne illness.

The following are things to keep in mind when dealing with cantaloupe or watermelon:

• Wash your hands with hot soapy water before and after preparing food.
• Clean your countertop and utensils with warm soapy water.
• Wash – even scrub - produce under cold water.
• Dry produce with a paper towel and once cut, refrigerate at 40 degrees or below.