Are fruit and vegetable “washes” more effective than water for cleaning produce and removing pesticides? Are they safe?

Answer:

Fruits, vegetables, and leafy greens can harbor pathogenic bacteria such as Salmonella, E. coli, and L. monocytogenes (i.e. Listeria) that can cause food poisoning, as well as have pesticide residue on their surfaces.

Fruits and veggie “washes” such as Fit Organic Spray Produce Wash, Rebel Greens Fruit and Veggie Clean, and Veggie Wash (Fruit & Vegetable Wash) are often promoted as a safe and effective way to remove bacteria and pesticides, and in some cases, are touted as being more effective than rinsing with water alone.

However, studies to back these claims do not appear to be available on the companies’ websites, and the FDA advises consumers not to use commercial produce wash, and states that “the safety of the residues of commercial produce washes has not been tested.”

Sign in as a member for tips for cleaning fruits, vegetables, and mushrooms and to learn:

• How produce washes (including vinegar and baking soda) compare to rinsing with water to removal of pesticides and bacteria.
• If use of bleach, sanitizers, and disinfectants is appropriate.
• Which produce is most likely to be contaminated with pesticides (including herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides), even after rinsing.
• Whether ethylene absorbers such as Bluapple Classic Produce Saver or OXO Good Grips GreenSaver Standing Crisper Drawer Insert extend the shelf life of fruits and vegetables.
• If you need to remove Edipeel coating applied to some fruits and vegetables.
• If electrolysis-based produce-washing devices (such as Garrnish or AquaPure) remove bacteria and pesticides from fruits and vegetables better than rinsing with tap water.