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Feel assured that your fruits and veggies are safe to eat after these steps.
1. Learn from a US expert how to wash fruits and vegetables for cleanliness and safety
After following these steps, you can confidently enjoy fruits and vegetables, even amidst concerns about recent E. coli outbreaks.
Discover the best techniques for removing dirt and bacteria, ensuring your produce is safe and clean.
Do not soak fruits and vegetables in a sink full of water (as a full sink can expose them to bacteria among different types of produce). Additionally, avoid scrubbing produce with a brush (as brushes often harbor a lot of bacteria). If you are concerned about pesticide residues, you may choose organic produce. When buying pre-cut or packaged items, such as half a watermelon or mixed salad, only select items that are refrigerated and sealed. Store perishable fruits and vegetables (such as strawberries, lettuce, herbs, and mushrooms) in a clean refrigerator at a temperature below 4°C. Always refrigerate food immediately upon purchase until ready to prepare. Use separate utensils, such as knives, cutting boards, and baskets, for raw meat and produce. Wash hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and warm water before and after food preparation. Discard any areas of fruits and vegetables that are damaged or discolored before preparing or consuming. Clean all produce under running water before preparing or eating, including home-grown or store-bought items. Do not wash fruits and vegetables with soap, detergent, or similar products. Even if you do not plan to eat the skin, clean fruits thoroughly to avoid bacterial contamination during peeling or cutting. After washing, pat dry fruits and vegetables with a clean cloth or paper towel to further reduce bacteria on their surfaces.
To summarize all recommendations from experts and the FDA, the advice for you now is:
1. Do not rewash foods labeled 'pre-washed' and/or 'ready-to-eat.'
2. For other foods, rinse them under running water, scrubbing with fingers if possible to remove dirt or other residues.
3. Pat dry foods with a clean cloth or paper towel if possible.
After following these steps, you can rest assured that fruits and vegetables are safe to eat. Reference: Time, FDA
