Washing fresh fruits and vegetables

While fresh fruits and vegetables are great for your health, many people don’t wash them before eating and this can cause foodborne illness. Washing helps decrease bacteria and viruses from soil and other sources that cause illness. Always use running water to wash fruits and vegetables just before you plan to use them or eat them. For produce with hard skins such as melons and potatoes, use a vegetable brush to gently rub the skin. Be sure to clean the brush between uses. Use your hands to rub leaves and stalks to remove any hidden dirt. Wash foods even if you plan on peeling them. Bacteria and viruses can easily get inside the food when you peel it. Stay healthy by washing your fruits and vegetables!