Tag: Washing

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly half of all foodborne illnesses in the U.S. are caused by contaminated vegetables and fruits. This startling statistic proves that the question 'Should you wash fruits and vegetables before using them?' is critical for public health, and the answer is a resounding yes.

According to a 2020 report from the Environmental Working Group (EWG), glyphosate residues were found in a majority of conventional bean and lentil samples tested. This raises a critical question for home cooks: does washing lentils remove pesticides and is it enough to ensure your food is safe?

A 2017 study shows that washing produce with a solution is more effective at removing pesticides than using plain tap water. Choosing the right washing method is essential to reduce exposure to contaminants.

Despite raisins being a convenient snack, a 2018 USDA analysis found that 99% of raisin samples tested positive for at least two pesticides. This finding prompts a crucial food safety question: **Should you wash raisins before eating?** The short answer is yes, as it helps remove not only pesticide residues but also dirt, dust, and potential microbial contaminants acquired during processing and transport.