Before touching your fruits and vegetables, you’ll want to wash your hands, utensils, and any food preparation surfaces thoroughly.  Next, unless the produce packaging says it’s been washed, you’ll want to clean it yourself.  

 

To do this, begin by washing or scrubbing the fruit or vegetable under running water.  Even if you don’t plan to eat the peel, wash it!  Germs hanging out on the peel can end up inside fruits and vegetables when you cut into them.  

 

You may be surprised to hear that the CDC does NOT recommend using soap, detergent, bleach solutions, or commercial produce-wash to clean your produce, as the FDA has not evaluated the safety of its residues.  Running water should wash away most bacteria.  

 

Next, if you see any damaged or bruised spots, be sure to cut those away before eating.  

 

Finally, dry your produce with a clean paper towel.

 

• Adults aged 65 and older

• Children under the age of 5

• People with weakened immune systems

• Pregnant women

 

Those mentioned in the above categories should take extra precautions when handling fresh produce.  When in doubt, follow CDC guidelines!

 

Wishing you all a healthy Summer!

 

-Next Level Urgent Care