How to clean and handle fruits and veggies.

Keep produce safe for you and your family by selecting and cleaning it properly before you prepare and enjoy it. Here are some helpful tips to follow.

Start with a clean slate. Wash your hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds before and after handling fresh fruits and vegetables. Be sure to keep surfaces and utensils clean as well.

Rinse it all. Whether you plan to eat the skin or not, be sure to wash produce under running water before peeling or cutting it. For firm produce, such as melons or cucumbers, use a vegetable brush while rinsing.

Please note: Do not use soap or bleach to wash fresh fruits and vegetables. These cleaning products are not meant for human consumption.

Check it out. Inspect fruits and vegetables for freshness. Cut off and throw away any bruised or damaged portions. Remove the outermost leaves from heads of lettuce and cabbage.

Keep it chilled. Refrigerate all peeled, cut, or cooked fresh produce within two hours of preparing. Be sure any precut produce or prepackaged salads you purchase remain refrigerated prior to serving.

Separate fresh produce. When preparing food, be sure to keep your fresh fruits and vegetables separate from raw meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs. Clean cutting boards, utensils, and serving dishes with hot, soapy water before reusing them.

Just toss it. You may have heard the phrase “when in doubt, throw it out.” This holds true for fresh produce. If you’re unsure whether it has touched raw meat or how long it has been out of refrigeration, it’s better to throw it away.

Shop your top produce.

Publix offers a variety of delicious fresh fruits and vegetables to enjoy on their own or in your favorite dishes. See what’s on sale this week.

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Source:
Safe Produce. Partnership for Food Safety Education. Accessed October 7, 2024.