A report by the Public Interest Research Group says food contamination is becoming more widespread and, in many cases, severe.

Researchers say several illnesses and food recalls in 2024 were linked to salmonella, listeria and e. coli.

Nineteen people died last year from severe infections – double the total from 2023.

Health officials say that fresh produce, raw seafood, red meat and poultry need to be properly stored, handled and prepared to avoid contamination that can lead to serious illness.

The first thing to do is to pick produce that doesn't look damaged. Experts say produce should be kept away from raw meat in your shopping cart, grocery bags and in the refrigerator.

Once people return home, produce should be refrigerated within two hours of shopping.

Fruits and vegetables should be washed under cold water before eating them. For a more thorough rinse, the FDA says people should use diluted vinegar to help wash away bacteria, fungi, viruses and pesticides.

To avoid contamination, experts say people should not use the same cutting board for produce and raw meat.

Experts say the greatest way to ensure produce and meat is safe to eat is to cook them. With poultry, seafood and meat, cooking them at a temperature high enough to kill bacteria and other germs.

The nonprofit environmental working group says pesticides can become embedded in certain fruits and vegetables that are not grown organically and lead to potential contamination.

Each year they release their list called "The Dirty Dozen" – letting people know what produce tested the highest for the chemicals.

They also have an app people can use while shopping.