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Know how. Know now.
From border to border in Nebraska, UNL Extension is making an incredible impact on the success of our state — its youth, its families, its farms and ranches, its communities, its economy. Please check these websites for more "know how, know now" information.
Safety and health are always important whether growing local foods is your main enterprise or a hobby, if you are purchasing local foods for the first time, or are a long-standing customer.
- For the farmer or producer there are guidelines and recommendations for learning the best practices for preventative safety in production and selling.
- As a consumer of local foods, take a look at the helpful hints and tips for cooking, preparing, preserving and serving local foods.
- What to look for and how to purchase and handle the best local foods at farmers' markets, temporary food vendors, restaurants and grocery stores.
Farmers & Ranchers
Safety In Production
UNL Extension -Flood Resources: Important information on how to practice basic food safety before and after floods and flood recovery information.
Lincoln Lancaster Health Department: Information on selling and needed permits for growers and bakers.
Several resources are included in the How to Grow Your Own Food - Gardening section that also may be helpful in growing fruits and vegetables for a farmers’ market.
A checklist for Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) is available through the UNL Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, Good Agricultural Practices for Food Safety of Fresh Produce, NebGuide G2020 printable PDF version
Egg Cleaning Procedures for the Backyard Flock NebGuide G1724
This publication provides guidance on washing eggs for eating rather than hatching.
Guidelines for Selling at Farmers' Markets and Temporary Food Establishments
Guidelines for Farmers’ Markets (Source: Nebraska Department of Agriculture)
Report from the Food Processing Center regarding Farmers' Market Food Safety.
Food Safety for Farmers' Markets, NebGuide G1706 PDF version
Factors that cause foodborne illnesses and recommendations for preparing and selling wholesome and safe food products at Farmer's Markets. Vendors at Farmers' Markets are responsible for the safety of the products they offer for sale. If customers are unhappy with the products they purchase from a stand, they will not be back. Word of mouth advertisement from a bad experience may not be good for future business.
Food Safety for Temporary Food Service Establishments, NebGuide G1708 PDF version
Food safety, including causes of and tips for preventing foodborne illness at temporary food service establishments. Food stands, bake sales, bazaars and other food sales provide good opportunities for organizations to raise money, but the food you prepare and offer for sale must be wholesome and safe for the consumer. Sponsoring organizations are responsible for the safety of the food products they offer for sale.
Consumers
Cooking-Food Safety & Nutrition
Food Safety. Know how. Know now. Learn more about food safety and nutrition while cooking, canning, preserving and serving food.
Canning, Freezing and Drying Produce Resources. Learn the proper way to can, freeze, and dry produce to eliminate health risk and keep better food.
Fruit & Vegetable Educational Factsheets. Set of 30 fruit and vegetable fact sheets with information about: nutrition, uses, description, varieties, where first cultivated and whether they are grown in Nebraska. Color versions are color-coded to the five color groups (black & white versions could be printed on colored paper).
National Center for Home Food Preservation . Your source for current research-based recommendations for most methods of home food preservation. The Center was established with funding from the Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture (CSREES-USDA) to address food safety concerns for those who practice and teach home food preservation and processing methods.
Partnership for Food Safety Education The Partnership for Food Safety Education (PFSE) is a not-for-profit organization that unites industry associations, professional societies in food science, nutrition and health, consumer groups, and the U.S. government to educate the public about safe food handling.
Selection of Food
The Garden Grocery. Food Safety & Selection at the Farmers Market
Buying & Preparing
The Garden Grocery: Food Safety & Selection at the Farmers’ Market
Includes food safety tips specific to farmers’ markets. Download a PowerPoint® of these materials.
For more in-depth information within this UNL Food site:
Food Safety Information for Storage, Preparation and Handling, Foodborne Illness, Recalls, Food Safety Training
Additional Resources
Produce Safety (Source: U.S. Food and Drug Administration)
Buyers' tips and guidelines for selecting and handling fresh produce – many apply to local foods.
Food Safety.gov Your gateway to federal food safety information.
Six Steps to Safer Fruits and Vegetables (Source: fightbac.org – a partnership of industry associations, consumer and public health groups and government departments.)
Tips for handling fresh produce.
For the Kids
A Fun, Creative and Interactive Game About Food Safety!
Sit down and enjoy an interactive game while learning about the importance of healthy food and the steps of food safety!
A Fun, Creative and Interactive Food Wheel-The 6 Steps of Food Safety!
An easy way to teach kids the important steps of food preparation, cooking and safety!
Farmers' Market Coloring Book!
A fun easy-to-read coloring book detailing the importance of agriculture and farmers' markets!
