Who knew

While freezing can reduce the number of bacteria present on food, it does not kill all bacteria. Some pathogens, such as Listeria monocytogenes, can survive freezing temperatures and become active again once the food is thawed. Therefore, relying solely on freezing to ensure the safety of berries is not foolproof. It’s important to consider other food safety measures to minimize the risk of foodborne illness.

Washing fruits, including berries, is a crucial step in removing surface contaminants such as dirt, pesticides, and bacteria. Even though frozen berries are often pre-washed before packaging, washing them again at home can provide an extra layer of safety. This is especially important if the berries are to be consumed raw, as in smoothies, where there is no cooking process to kill any remaining bacteria.