Ask Liz: Pesticides on Produce

There's nothing better than fresh fruits and veggies in season for the summer. But if pesticides are your concern, what’s the best way to remove them from fresh produce? The Food and Drug Administration helped us with this answer.

It says that washing produce is a great way to protect against pesticides. Before you eat, use large amounts of cold or warm tap water to wash your food. And stay away from the soap. For added safety, throw away the outer leaves of any leafy vegetables like lettuce.

It's important to note that grocery stores don't wash produce before putting it out. However, many grocers mist produce while it's on display, and the misting can help drain residues off of your fruits and vegetables. Washing them at home is an added precaution that can help reduce or eliminate pesticides and residues.

For more information, visit the FDA's website.

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