Why rinsing your vegetables is not enough
Posted Jun 6, 2011 02:30:52 PM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
As German health officials struggle to treat hundreds of people who are seriously ill from a mutant strain of E.coli and investigators search for the source of the bacteria, consumers are being reminded that rinsing off vegetables and fruits before you eat them is not enough to ensure they’re safe.
Here are some tips from Halton Region Health and the US government FDA:
1) First wash YOUR hands thoroughly with warm water and soap. Dry with a paper towel.
2) After you remove the outer leaves of lettuce or cabbage, wash your hands again.
3) Wash all fruits and vegetables even if you plan to peel them to reduce the risk of cross contamination.
4) Rinse them for several minutes under running water that is safe to drink. (Another option is soak all fruits and vegetables in a clean sink full of water with three tablespoons baking soda, cider vinegar or lemon juice added. Soak for five minutes and then rinse. You may be surprised at what floats to the surface.)
5) Be sure the knife, cutting board and vegetable brush you use are cleaned before and after using.
