2.1. Selection of samples
A total of 125 samples were purchased from five major supermarkets
and local markets all across Singapore. Taking samples
from a variety of places allowed products of popular brands as well
as those commonly available to consumers to be sampled; thus
making results of this study more representative. Commodities
tested were selected based on their commonalities to Singapore
and past implication as sources of foodborne disease. There were
eight types of fruits and vegetables in all, namely, apples, oranges,
mangoes, tomatoes, carrots, lettuces, fresh-cut salads and sprouts.
Sample units were chosen independently and randomly from the
various locations. Most of the samples were imported from overseas;
only few were grown locally.