Concerned about the news reports that keep cropping up about bacteria-tainted produce? Here’s information on how to properly wash your fresh fruits and vegetables to avoid food-borne illnesses.
During an outbreak, such as the salmonella tomato incident, washing probably won’t get rid of all of the contamination. Consumers are urged to avoid eating any suspect produce as directed by public health authorities.
When an outbreak is not underway, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) along with physicians in the Division of Infectious Diseases at Cooper University Hospital advise consumers to thoroughly wash all fresh fruits and vegetables before eating them—even those with rinds or skins that you peel and do not eat. Remember to wash produce just before eating it, not before storing it, to avoid premature spoilage of the goods.
“Consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables is important as part of a healthy diet,” notes Annette C. Reboli, M.D., who heads Cooper’s Division of Infectious Diseases. “The following advice can help you avoid becoming ill from bacteria contaminated produce:”
RUB & RINSE
Vigorously rubbing fruits and vegetables by hand under running water is recommended. Soaking is not advised, because non-flowing water doesn’t flush debris from tight spots and crevices where grit can hide. Pay particular attention to such tight areas as between the florets of broccoli and cauliflower, and in the wrinkles of mature spinach leaves. Remember, too, to rub and rinse unpeeled fruits and vegetables used to flavor drinks, such as lemons and limes.
REMOVE & DISCARD
Heads of leafy greens, such as lettuce and cabbage, also need extra attention because they grow close to the ground where soil can be tainted. Always remove and discard the outer leaves of lettuce and cabbage. Separate the leaves, and then rub each leaf while rinsing until no visible dirt is left. Dry with paper towels or place the leaves in an inexpensive plastic spinner, which dries the leaves much faster.
NO ANTIBACTERIAL SOAP
It’s not a good idea to use antibacterial soap, detergent, or bleach to wash your produce, because the safety of consuming possible residue from the soap is unknown.
SCRUB & RINSE
Produce that has rough, grooved or indented rinds or skins that you don’t eat, such as cantaloupes, needs to be scrubbed with a small brush to effectively remove all the dirt and bacteria before you slice it. Doing so prevents bacteria on the outside of the fruit from being transferred to the inside of the fruit when you slice through it with a knife. For produce with firm skin, such as potatoes, scrub while rinsing under running water to remove all soil. Scrubbing also is best for wax-coated produce, such as cucumbers, apples and bell peppers. While the wax itself is not hazardous to your health (The wax is a plant-based substance used to seal-in moisture.), it does allow dirt to stick to the produce, so scrubbing waxed items is still advisable.
TO SPRAY OR NOT TO SPRAY
Many grocery stores now sell bottled washes and sprays that are touted to be environmentally safe, able to impede the growth of bacteria, and wash away chemicals, soil and wax. Studies have shown that using these products will not make food any safer. However, there is nothing wrong with using such a product, but be sure to follow the directions on the product’s label.
RE-WASH THE PRE-WASHED
What about packaged produce labeled “ready to eat,” “pre-washed” or “triple washed”? While the CDC says you don’t have to wash it again at home, Dr. Reboli advises otherwise. “I still wash again. Remember, there was an outbreak of E. coli associated with fresh, pre-packaged spinach,” she said. Also, make sure the packaged products are refrigerated until you’re ready to eat them, and don’t eat them after the “use-by” date.
KEEP HANDS & PREP AREA CLEAN
It’s important to clean all surfaces and utensils with soap and hot water, including cutting boards, peelers, counter tops, knives and dishes that will touch fresh produce. Keep cutting boards for vegetables and fruits separate from those you use for meat. Wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds before and after handling fresh fruits and vegetables.
Remember, washing fresh produce before eating it can protect you and your family from food-borne illnesses. But, during an outbreak, such as the salmonella tomato outbreak, the stakes are too high. Washing probably won’t get rid of the contamination, so, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration urges consumers to completely avoid eating the suspect produce.