Should you wash that apple you bought at the grocery store or farmer's market? The short answer is yes. Skipping the step of rinsing fresh fruits and vegetables can increase your risk of foodborne illness and other health issues.

Why Does Washing Matter?

Produce can carry these contaminants:

Microbes: Produce can carry Escherichia coli (E. coli) , Salmonella , Listeria , norovirus , and other organisms that are found in contaminated water or soil, or introduced during transport and handling. Foodborne illnesses sicken nearly 48 million people in the United States each year.

Chemical residues: Produce can have contamination from pesticides and other treatments, even if labeled " Certified Organic ."

Dirt and debris: These can harbor microbes, insects, and inedible

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