Make sure you are properly washing your produce to prevent foodborne illness. Federal health officials estimate that millions of people get sick from contaminated food each year, with produce being a common culprit. Proper cleaning is essential to avoid illness, so here are some mistakes to avoid when washing your fruits and vegetables:
1. Not cleaning your produce thoroughly. Even the cleanest-looking produce can harbor harmful pathogens that need to be washed off before consumption.
2. Not washing organic produce. Organic fruits and vegetables may have less exposure to toxins, but they still need to be washed to remove potential contaminants.
3. Not cleaning your counters before washing produce. Make sure your kitchen area is clean to prevent cross-contamination.
4. Not washing your hands before and after handling produce. Proper hand-washing is crucial to prevent the spread of bacteria from raw meat to produce.
5. Using soap or bleach to clean produce. Avoid using these products, as they can be absorbed by the produce and make you sick.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your produce is clean and safe to eat.