Final answer:
True, poultry is highly perishable and requires careful handling to prevent spoilage and foodborne illness. Leftovers should be refrigerated promptly, and fruits like melons should be washed before cutting to avoid contamination.
Step-by-step explanation:
True, poultry is highly perishable. Poultry, like all raw meats, is prone to spoilage and growth of foodborne pathogens if not stored and handled properly. To maintain its safety and quality, it must be kept at cold temperatures either in the refrigerator below 40 degrees Fahrenheit or frozen at 0 degrees Fahrenheit. Even cooked leftovers need to be handled with care; for instance, if cooked leftovers are stored at room temperature (about 68 degrees F) for more than two hours, they are no longer safe to eat even if heated well afterwards, as harmful bacteria can produce toxins resilient to heat.
Moreover, washing fruits like melon before cutting is important because bacteria from the rind can be transferred onto the edible parts during slicing.
It's also true that foodborne diseases can cause serious health issues. Always practicing safe food handling procedures is crucial to prevent the risk of foodborne illnesses.