Eating fruits and vegetables is vital for a healthy diet, but it’s crucial to clean them properly to avoid harmful germs that could make you sick.
The Food and Drug Administration warns that eating contaminated produce can lead to foodborne illnesses. Recent outbreaks linked to foods like lettuce, spinach, tomatoes, and cantaloupes underscore the risks.
Concerns about pesticides on produce have led to the creation of an annual “Dirty Dozen” list, ranking fruits and vegetables with the highest pesticide levels.
Carissa Galloway, a registered dietitian nutritionist and personal trainer, explains, “Consider the path your produce takes from the farm to your plate—through transportation, handling at stores, and exposure to various environments. This journey can introduce multiple contaminants.”
To ensure your fruits and vegetables are safe to eat, the FDA recommends a thorough cleaning routine.
Always wash your hands and clean any utensils, cutting boards, and other preparation surfaces before and after handling produce, as advised by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Follow these steps recommended by experts like Galloway to effectively clean your produce before consumption.
