Bremerton Health Dept Warns on Food Illness Prevention

Every factual claim below was checked against the original public record. Source: original document ↗

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  Kitsap Public Health issued a public advisory on July 27, 2026“null”
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  The advisory warns residents about foodborne illness prevention“Make good choices Staying healthy starts right at the grocery store. If you can, buy fruits and vegetables that are grown locally. Local produce doesn’t have to travel as far to your store, so it has less chance of being contaminated with germs. Choose fruits and vegetables that can be easily cleaned, scrubbed, or peeled. Removing or cleaning the outer layer helps ensure germs end up in the waste bin or down the drain and not on your plate. Choosing canned produce is another great option to help you stay healthy. Most germs are killed during the canning process.Store your food safely Once you’ve brought your fruits and vegetables home, carefully store them to keep them safe to eat. Anything that you refrigerate should be placed above - and separated from – raw meats, seafood, and poultry. Juices from raw meat can drip onto your other produce and make you sick. Wash your fresh fruits and vegetables just before you eat them to make sure they are as clean as possible. Wash your hands When you’re ready for a snack, wash your hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds before touching any food. You should also use warm water and soap to clean your counters, cutting boards, and utensils before, during, and after cooking. Wash your fruits and veggies Before you start cooking, make sure to remove outer leaves and husks and rinse your fruits and vegetables under cool, running water. If possible, scrub them with a brush specifically used for washing produce – and disinfect the brush after every use. Let your fruits and vegetables air dry or dry them with a paper towel before eating.”
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  The advisory cites over 1,900 U. S. cases of cyclosporiasis since May 2026“Since May 2026, there have been over 1,900 cases of cyclosporiasis – a food illness caused by a tiny parasite – in the United States.”
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  The cases are linked to shredded lettuce from central Mexico“Since May 2026, there have been over 1,900 cases of cyclosporiasis – a food illness caused by a tiny parasite – in the United States. While this specific outbreak has been linked to shredded lettuce from central Mexico, cyclosporiasis and other food illnesses (like salmonella, E. coli, and norovirus) can happen when you eat anything that has germs on it.”
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  The health department recommends washing hands for 20 seconds“Wash your hands When you’re ready for a snack, wash your hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds before touching any food.”
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  The health department recommends scrubbing produce under running water“Wash your fruits and vegetables before you start cooking, make sure to remove outer leaves and husks and rinse your fruits and vegetables under cool, running water. If possible, scrub them with a brush specifically used for washing produce – and disinfect the brush after every use.”
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  The health department recommends separating raw meats from produce in refrigerators“Anything that you refrigerate should be placed above - and separated from – raw meats, seafood, and poultry. Juices from raw meat can drip onto your other produce and make you sick.”
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  High-risk groups include people over 65“Some people – like people over 65, small children, people who are pregnant, and people with weakened immune systems - are more likely to get sick from food and are more at risk for serious health problems from food illness.”
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  High-risk groups include young children“Some people – like people over 65, small children, people who are pregnant, and people with weakened immune systems - are more likely to get sick from food and are more at risk for serious health problems from food illness.”
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  High-risk groups include pregnant individuals“Some people – like people over 65, small children, people who are pregnant, and people with weakened immune systems - are more likely to get sick from food and are more at risk for serious health problems from food illness.”
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  High-risk groups include those with weakened immune systems“Some people – like people over 65, small children, people who are pregnant, and people with weakened immune systems - are more likely to get sick from food and are more at risk for serious health problems from food illness.”
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  Residents are urged to report foodborne illnesses by calling 360-728-2235“If you got sick from food, report it online or call us at 360-728-2235.”
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  Residents are urged to report foodborne illnesses by reporting online“If you got sick from food, report it online or call us at 360-728-2235.”
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  Symptoms requiring medical attention include bloody diarrhea“Bloody diarrhea”
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  Symptoms requiring medical attention include fever over 102°F“High fever (temperature over 102°F)”
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  Symptoms requiring medical attention include dehydration signs like reduced urination“Signs of dehydration, which include not urinating (peeing) much, a dry mouth and throat, and/or feeling dizzy when standing up”