EATS: Do I *really* need to wash my veggies?

What’s the deal? Should I actually give those carrots from the farmer’s market a rinse before scooping hummus onto them?

Yes, but the risk of illness from consuming raw produce is low. Randy Worobo, food microbiology professor at Cornell University, and Linda J. Harris, chair of the food science and technology department at UC-Davis, explain how to remove any lingering pathogens:

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  • Why clean when you can remove? If possible, peel ya produce. 

  • If rinsing is the best option, rub the fruit/vegetable as you wash it under tap water then dry with a clean paper towel. 

  • How long should you rinse? Aim for 2 minutes.  

  • Don't wash bagged greens advertised as pre-washed or cross-contaminate produce once it's cleaned. And definitely do not handle raw meat then use the same tools for produce.  

EatsKathryn Vigilante