more on veggie scrubs

[Guest guest]

Yesterday Bernadette asked about veggie scrubs. I posted about a 50%

vinegar and water solution I had read about, and Jeff posted a diluted soap

solution, both which are supposed to work as well as the expensive scrubs

that they sell.

Today in the WashingtonPost is an article saying that the FDA recommends

plain running water which they say is just as good as the expensive veggie

scrubs!!

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Get Out That Brush

If it's not pesticides on peaches then it's salmonella on scallions.

Before you pop that blueberry straight from the plastic container into your

mouth, consider that most common fruits and vegetables most likely have

pesticides and bacteria.

To remove most contaminants, the Food and Drug Administration advises

consumers to wash produce under cool running tap water, without any soap

or detergents, immediately prior to eating. This also applies to items that

you intend to slice or peel, since anything on the surface of a produce item

can be transferred to the interior via the knife or fingertips.

Several brands of commercial produce washes are available. However, the

EPA prohibits packaging claims regarding the effectiveness of removal of

bacteria, and the FDA has concluded that commercial washes are no more

effective than running water.

You may also wish to peel fruits, even when it's not called for, to

remove and throw away the outer leaves from leafy lettuces and greens, and

to use a produce brush on firm items that can withstand the rigors of

brushing. Though many vegetable brushes are available, we like the look and

the scouring action of this Sri Lankan vegetable brush's natural bristles.

© 2004 The Washington Post Company

[Guest guest]

Some more info...

While commercial wash products are available to the consumer for use on produce,

there are some that continue to make unproven claims. The EPA states that any

product making any claim about affecting microorganisms is basically making a

pesticidal claim and must be registered with the EPA before it can be sold to

consumers. A product must first undergo testing to show it does not pose a risk

when used according to the directions in order to be registered with the EPA. At

this point, no fruit and vegetable wash product is registered with the EPA with

a claim for controlling, removing or reducing pathogenic microorganisms. So, if

a company advertises these claims on its label, it should be a red flag to

consumers, and the company runs the risk of being fined by the EPA.

The old standard recommendation of washing produce with potable running water

continues to be recommended by the FDA, USDA & EPA. For additional information

on cleaning produce visit the following web site:

www.foodsafety.gov/~fsg/produce.html