Recently, there has been confusing and sometimes misleading advice in the media and on social media as well about safely preparing and washing fresh fruits and vegetables. Both the FDA and CDC have been consistent in their recommendations and are advising food preparations should continue as normal, which includes washing produce under warm or cold running tap water to help remove any dirt, bacteria or residues. Here is their advice:

• When preparing any fresh produce, begin with clean hands. Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and warm water before and after preparation.
• Wash cutting boards, dishes, utensils, and countertops with soap and hot water between preparing raw meat, poultry, and seafood and preparing produce that will not be cooked.
• Cut away any damaged or bruised areas on fresh fruits and vegetables before preparing and/or eating. Throw away any produce that looks rotten.
• Remove and discard the outer leaves of leafy vegetables, like lettuce and cabbage
• Wash all produce thoroughly under running water before preparing and/or eating, including produce grown at home or bought from a grocery store or farmers’ market (organic and conventional). Washing fruits and vegetables with soap, detergent, or commercial produce wash is NOT recommended.
• Even if you do not plan to eat the skin, it is still important to wash produce first so dirt and bacteria are not transferred from the surface when peeling or cutting produce.
• Scrub firm produce, such as melons and cucumbers, with a clean produce brush.

According to the FDA: “Many pre-cut, bagged, or packaged produce items are pre-washed and ready-to-eat. If so, it will be stated on the packaging, and you can use the produce without further washing.”

Just Running Water, No Soap or Detergents:
We are also seeing many reports regarding the use of hand soap, detergents and household cleaning wipes being used to sanitize fresh produce. DON’T! These products have not been approved for use on foods. In addition to the CDC and FDA’s clear advice above, Dr. Don Schaffner, Food Science Professor at Rutgers University explained to USA Today: “Those soaps and detergents are designed for washing hands or for washing dishes and they’re not designed for washing food.”

The AFF has a simplified version of this information in our “Just Wash It” section of safefruitsandveggies.com or download this infographic from our dietitian page for easy reference.

Remember, nutrition professionals and government officials continue to advise consumers to eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables to maintain healthy immune function and prevent illness. Choose either organic or conventional produce – both are safe and can be eaten with confidence. Just wash and enjoy.

For more advice on washing produce, preparing food, nutrition and immunity function and additional information resources listen to this new Sound Bites podcast from Registered Dietitian Melissa Joy Dobbins, a 2019 AFF Produce Safety Media Tour alumnus. The podcast features Dr. Taylor Wallace, Adjunct Professor, Department of Nutrition and Food Studies at George Mason University.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA): “There is currently no evidence to support transmission of COVID 19 associated with food or food packaging.”