Food Safety Myth Buster - Washing Produce

Myth: I don’t need to wash my produce if I am going to peel it



FACT: You should wash fresh fruits and vegetables under running tap water just before eating, cutting or cooking. Harmful bacteria could be on the outside of the produce.

If you peel or cut it without first washing it the bacteria could be transferred to the part you eat.

Wash delicate produce such as grapes or lettuce under cool running water. Blot dry with a clean cloth towel or paper towel. Rub firm-skin fruits and vegetables under running tap water or scrub with a clean produce brush.

Never use detergent or bleach to wash fresh fruits or vegetables. These products are not intended for consumption.

This information and illustration provided by the Partnership for Food Saefty Education.