Properly cleaning fresh, uncooked produce … Cleaning a number of carrots and radishes …

Properly cleaning fresh, uncooked produce is a must when preparing a meal, and with this in mind, the elderly woman pictured here was doing just that, as she was thoroughly cleaning a number of carrots and radishes

Properly cleaning fresh, uncooked produce … Cleaning a number of carrots and radishes … Credit: CDC/ Dawn Arlotta

Properly cleaning fresh, uncooked produce is a must when preparing a meal, and with this in mind, the elderly woman pictured here was doing just that, as she was thoroughly cleaning a number of carrots and radishes. Note that there was soil still clinging to the tubers, which would have to be entirely removed using vigorous scrubbing with soapy warm water. Cleaning also will remove environmental pollutants, such pesticides from the foods’ surfaces.

The cleanliness of the food preparation environment, is also an important aspect to food safety. Therefore, prior to cutting these foods, one should first properly clean the sink area using soap and fresh running tap water, in order to remove any pesticides or unwanted chemicals from their surfaces as well.

It is quite important to check public health-related websites including the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, ATSDR, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC, as well as those agencies in your immediate area for advisories indicating whether or not eating specific kinds of fruits and vegetables is safe. These sites, linked below, will also inform you as to the proper methods used in preparing various foods.