Steps consumers take to clean fresh produce may be harmful

ATLANTA – How does America clean its fruits and vegetables? Using water, as The Food and Drug Administration recommends, would appear to be the most obvious answer. But a recent survey by Beaumont Products, Inc., the makers of Veggie Wash 100% Natural Fruit and Vegetable Wash, found almost 40 percent of respondents take extra steps to ensure that their produce is clean and free of residue.

However, many use nonfood grade soaps and chemicals to accomplish that. The survey of more than 250 Americans was aimed at finding what motivates consumers to buy produce cleaners like Veggie Wash. Those surveyed were asked how they clean their fruits and vegetables. Approximately 60 percent of respondents use running water only, while 22 percent use soap and water.

A branded produce cleaner and vinegar was each used by 6 percent of respondents, while bleach, other methods, or nothing at all each accounted for 2 percent. These consumer habits raise an important issue: while it is important to make certain fruits and vegetables clean of potentially harmful residue, cleaning produce with other substances not made for human consumption could possibly cause more harm than good. Soaps and other chemicals don’t necessarily cut through the wax on fruits and vegetables because they are not designed for this purpose; instead, added residue may remain from the soap and even be absorbed into the produce itself.

According to The Partnership for Food Safety Education, a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating the public about safe food handling and preparation, detergents and bleach are not labeled safe for use on food. Consumption of these products can lead to such illnesses as diarrhea and nausea. Other homemade, edible washes using ingredients like vinegar and baking soda can leave a residual aftertaste.

Even buying organic does not necessarily guarantee the produce is free of residue. Fruit and vegetable washes that are all natural, made of citrus, corn, coconut, and other food-grade ingredients, are designed to safely and effectively cut through wax to rid produce of most hidden pesticides, chemicals and soil.