When it comes to getting fresh fruits and veggies as clean as can be, most of us reach for produce washes like Fit Organic Spray. Their labels boast about blasting away way more germs and chemicals than water alone. But do these products really deliver on their promises?
In this article, we’ll look at whether fruit and vegetable washes are all they’re cracked up to be, compared to simply rinsing with good old H2O. We’ll break down the science on how well they kill bacteria and remove pesticides. And we’ll dish on any downsides, so you can decide if they’re worth a spot in your kitchen or if you’re better off sticking with water.
Our goal is to give you the lowdown on produce washes so you can make an informed choice about how to get your next apple to its cleanest, crispest best. So, grab your favorite fruits and veggies, and let’s look closer!
The Controversy about Produce Washes vs. Water
When it comes to cleaning fruits and veggies, we need to remove nasty bacteria or chemical residues that could be lingering on produce. Plain old tap water seems like an easy option, but companies are telling us those specialty washes do a better job. Brands like Fit Organic Spray Rebel Greens Fruit and Veggie Clean claim their formulas blast away way more germs and pesticides than water alone.
But is there solid proof to back up these bold claims? That’s where things get murky. These companies tend to keep the science hush-hush, making it hard for independent researchers to verify how well the washes truly work.
The only real data Consumer Lab found was a brief 2000 study summary from Fit Organic Spray showing their product performed slightly better than water at removing dirt and chemicals from strawberries, peppers, and lettuce. No comparisons to other washes or specifics on the improvements were given though.
This lack of transparency from produce wash companies leaves us consumers in the dark about how valid their germ-busting and pesticide-removing assertions really are. Does Fit Organic Spray out-clean plain old H2O? Are these specialty formulas miracle workers or just marketing ploys?
FDA Caution
The FDA is advising consumers to avoid using commercial produce washes. According to the agency, these specialty formulas aren’t proven safe, especially when it comes to residues that could linger after rinsing.
Specifically, the FDA cautions against using washes containing soap or detergent on fruits and veggies. They emphasize that even after thorough washing, remnants of these products could potentially pose health risks. Makes you think twice before grabbing that bottle off the grocery shelf.
Produce Cleaners Are Untested
Produce wash companies tout their formulas as “all-natural” and “plant-based,” but is there rigorous testing to back up these claims? Or proof that they’re any safer or more effective than plain tap water?
The science is still unclear, but research gives more credit to the simple act of rinsing under running water. Get this – a 2000 study by the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station found that water did just as good a job as commercial washes like Veggie Wash at removing pesticide residues from produce.
Other university studies have reached similar conclusions, finding the physical motion of water is key for washing away pesticides. The formulas in produce washes don’t seem to make much difference compared to H2O.
This makes you wonder – are we better off saving our money and letting tap water do the work? Or are these specialty washes the super-cleaning heroes they claim to be? We need more research to know for sure.
In the meantime, the FDA says washing fruits and veggies with regular water is A-OK. But they recommend skipping the soap- or detergent-based washes until more evidence proves they’re harmless. When in doubt, you can’t go wrong with a trusty water rinse.
Pathogenic Bacteria and Wash Efficacy
When it comes to washing away dangerous bacteria from our fruits and veggies, we want the most effective cleaning solution possible. That’s why those fruit and veggie washes sound so appealing – just a quick spray is supposed to zap microorganisms.
But is a specialty formula really any better than water? Studies from the University of Maine and the University of Georgia put store-bought washes to the test against plain H2O. And the results might surprise you.
On blueberries and various produce, distilled water and regular tap water worked just as well, if not better, than commercial washes at reducing bacteria. It seems when you’ve got the mechanical action of water, whether from the tap or in distilled form, it’s pretty effective at rinsing away microorganisms.
So, while fruit and veggie wash labels tout their bacteria-busting powers, science doesn’t back up those claims over plain water. This isn’t to say commercial washes are useless – washing produce is better than not washing it at all.
When it comes to getting rid of potentially nasty bacteria on your fruits and veggies, water does the trick. As your mom always said, thoroughly rinsing produce under the tap is still one of the best ways to wash away any microscopic party crashers that could make you sick. No fancy gadgets or products are needed – just let that cool stream of water do its cleansing work!
So next time you go to grab that bottle of veggie wash, consider saving your money and letting water work its magic. With the simple act of rinsing, you can trust you’re getting your produce as clean as can be!
Tips for Effective Produce Washing
- Timing Matters: Wash produce right before use to avoid bacterial growth.
- Hands-on Hygiene: Wash hands thoroughly before and after handling produce to minimize bacteria transfer.
- Trimming Safely: Remove damaged areas and outer layers to mitigate the risk of microbial contamination.
- Cool Running Rinse: Rinse produce under cool running water for at least 30 seconds, using a gentle scrub brush for firmer items.
- Thorough Drying: Dry produce post-wash to reduce moisture and further diminish bacteria.
Conclusion
We need studies to directly compare commercial washes and tap water. But the evidence we have now suggests water is effective at washing away the bad stuff.
As we navigate the world of cleaning produce as safely as possible, it’s helpful to remember this: often, simplicity prevails. While those fruit and veggie washes seem appealing, an old-fashioned rinse under the faucet may just be your fruits and veggies’ best friend.
So next time you buy apples, lettuce, or anything else fresh from the grocery store, don’t overthink it. Run water over your produce for a good 20-30 seconds per side. No fancy sprays needed! Then you can relax knowing your next salad or smoothie is washed clean the simple, time-tested way.
References:
ConsumerLab.com. Are fruit and vegetable “washes” more effective than water for cleaning produce and removing pesticides? Are they safe? ConsumerLab.com. Published November 13, 2023. Accessed November 16, 2023. https://www.consumerlab.com/answers/fruit-and-veggie-washes-vs-water/fruit-and-veggie-washes/
Fishburn J, Tang Y, Frank J. ARTICLES Efficacy of Various Consumer-Friendly Produce Washing Technologies in Reducing Pathogens on Fresh Produce. 32(8):456-466. https://www.foodprotection.org/files/food-protection-trends/Aug-12-Fishburn.pdf
Krol WJ, Arsenault TL, Pylypiw HM Jr, Incorvia Mattina MJ. Reduction of pesticide residues on produce by rinsing. J Agric Food Chem. 2000 Oct;48(10):4666-70. doi: 10.1021/jf0002894. PMID: 11052716.
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