You pick fresh produce thinking it’s healthy—but what if the section you trust most is actually risking your safety? Bacterial contamination on fruits and vegetables is a real concern, and not all produce sections are created equal. Knowing which supermarket chains tend to have clean handling practices—and which ones show more red flags—can help you shop smarter. Even without a perfect chain rank, there are clear patterns that set good from bad. Below, we explore three types of produce sections that are likely among the cleanest and three that are more likely to harbor bacteria, plus tips on what to watch for so you avoid the worst.
