How To Safely Wash Produce At Home

(HealthyAccess)- Many of us know that chemicals are often sprayed on the fruits and vegetables we purchase. Additionally, there’s no telling how many people have touched the unwrapped produce we’ve selected.

It may come as no surprise to you that unwashed produce can carry germs that lead to foodborne illnesses like E. coli, salmonella, and listeria. Food poisoning is a major risk we take when we don’t properly wash our produce.

While there are many products on the market that claim to clean our produce, it may surprise you just how simple it can be to wash our produce at home.

The Center for Disease Control and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration agree on the following steps:

  1. Wash your own hands first, using hot water for at least 20 seconds.
  2. Wash any countertops or cutting boards where you will be placing washed produce.
  3. Cut away any damaged or bruised parts before preparing and eating the produce.
  4. Wash and scrub produce under running water. Soap, detergents, or other chemicals are not needed. Use a vegetable brush, as needed.
  5. Dry the produce with a clean dish towel.
  6. Refrigerate any produce within two hours of cooking, cleaning, or cutting them.
  7. Wash your hands when you are finished.

It’s that easy! With these simple steps, you can safely wash your produce at home.

Just keep in mind while shopping to avoid bruised or damaged produce and make sure that any pre-cut produce has been properly refrigerated. Also, be sure to keep fresh produce separated from animal products, such as meat or seafood, while you’re shopping.

With a little preparation and this simple routine, we can practice better safety with our produce and minimize the potential for foodborne illnesses.

~Here’s to a Happier, Healthier Life!

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