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Sam Beattie, PhD Responds:
Studies show that produce sanitizers remove a portion of bacteria from produce. However, no product has been shown to remove all bacteria from the surface of fruits and veggies.
First, you can prevent contamination of produce by taking these steps:
- Clean the sink with hot, soapy water and then rinse the sink with hot water or a weak bleach solution.
- Wash your hands with soap for 10 to 15 seconds before handling produce.
Next, remove some bacteria from produce by following these simple steps:
- Scrub firm produce with a clean produce brush under cold running water.
- Agitate (shake) leafy greens in a clean sink filled with cold water and then rinse.
- Dry with a paper towel to further reduce bacteria.
Wash all produce, even if you plan to peel before eating. Produce labeled “ready to eat” or “triple washed” may not need rewashing but some suggest washing it anyway.
Bottom line: In spite of recent outbreaks, produce remains safe. An estimated 50 billion servings of cut lettuce greens are consumed every year, yet fewer than a thousand people are reportedly made ill by it.
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Sam Beattie
PhD
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