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Do: Rinse all vegetables and fruits before eating.
What about vegetables or fruits I plan to peel?
All vegetables and fruits should be rinsed in clean, running water. This is true even if you plan to peel or cut them! Bacteria from unrinsed produce can get on the clean fruit through your hands or your knife.
What about vegetables or fruits with firm skin? For example, cantaloupes or oranges.
Produce like this should be rinsed under running water while:
- Rubbing with your hand, or
- Scrubbing with a clean brush, or
- Scrubbing with a clean washcloth
Do: Dry vegetables and fruits after rinsing
What should I use to dry rinsed produce?
Use a clean cloth or paper towel.
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Do not wash packaged fruits and vegetables that are pre-washed.
How do I know if produce is pre-washed?
If produce has a label that says “ready-to-eat,” “washed” or “triple-washed,” it is pre-washed. You should not wash pre-washed produce. If you do, you may actually increase the risk for cross-contamination. This is because your pre-washed produce may come in contact with unclean surfaces or utensils as you are washing.
Do not use soap or bleach to wash produce.
Why not?
Soap and bleach are not intended to be used on food. Clean, running water is all you need.
Perishable groceries (perishables)
Perishables are foods that can spoil, decay or become unsafe to eat if not kept refrigerated or frozen. Examples are raw meats and poultry, dairy products, and cooked foods.