Can pesticides be completely washed off of fruits and vegetables?

Question

Is it possible to completely wash pesticides off of fruits and vegetables or is the only solution to buy organic?

Answer 1

Many fruits and vegetables sold in the United States today are treated with pesticides, and residues of these potentially harmful chemicals often remain on their surfaces. Rinsing all produce thoroughly before eating is always a good idea, but many pesticides, fungicides and other agricultural chemicals are trapped under a wax coating that was added to resist water and prolong shelf life. As such, rinsing produce with just plain water is not enough to do the job. Several companies have developed products that can help.

Organiclean contains extracts from coconut, sugar cane, sugar maple, bilberry, orange and lemon, is completely biodegradable, organic, and is a registered kosher product. The manufacturer claims that the product is ideal for hard-to-clean produce like strawberries, raspberries, spinach, lettuce and broccoli. It comes in an 8-ounce plastic spray bottle.

Another option is Veggie-Wash, from Citrus Magic. Made of natural vegetable-based ingredients from citrus fruit, corn and coconut, and containing no preservatives, Veggie-Wash comes in a 16-ounce spray bottle as well as 32-ounce and gallon refills. Meanwhile, Fit Fruit & Vegetable Wash spray is made from citric acid and grapefruit oil, and claims to remove 98 percent more pesticides, waxes and other contaminants versus washing with water alone. Fit comes in 12-ounce spray bottles and 32-ounce refills.

For those inclined to more homespun solutions, various combinations of common pantry items work well, too. One recipe calls for soaking produce for five minutes in a 50/50 solution of white vinegar and water, while another calls for spraying fruits and vegetables with a combination of one tablespoon of lemon juice, two tablespoons of baking soda and one cup of water. Meanwhile, Consumer Reports says that a diluted wash of dish detergent followed by a tap water rinse eliminates pesticide residues on most fruits and vegetables. After any such treatments, all produce should be rinsed thoroughly in plain water prior to eating or cooking.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says that the only way to ensure avoidance of pesticide residues completely is to buy certified organic produce only. The majority of supermarkets in the U.S. stock pesticide-free organic produce for those willing to spend a few more pennies per item. Consumers should note, however, that even organic produce should be washed before eaten, even if just to remove the impurities caused by human handling.

Answer 2

Washing won't do much. It will get rid of some of it, but most of it will remain, though this depends on which fruit/vegetable your talking about. I would recommend you buy organic produce for the most contaminated fruits/vegatables, and the least contaminated you should buy non-organic. Just go with what you feel safest doing.

Here are the twelve most contaminated fruits & vegetables that you may want to go organic with: Apples, Bell Peppers, Celery, Cherries, Imported Grapes, Nectarines, Peaches, Pears, Potatoes, Red Raspberries, Spinach, Strawberries.

Answer 3

There is a organic cleanser you soak the veggies in and it is supposed to get all of the bacteria and chemicals off of your veggies, but I think all you have to do is wash the fruit really well and the chemicals should come off. I think the cleanser is for people who dont think washing is enough.

Answer 4

I in basic terms wash mine in water, even though it variety of is clever that they use cleansing soap. yet, i does not decide to consume, say, a pear and get a mouthful of cleansing soap. i'm extra demanding approximately insecticides than human beings touching the fruit. And maximum fruit is washed on the packing plant.

Answer 5

I think the pesticides permeate the skin. Peeling is good if you buy conventional. Buy organic for the "dirty dozen."
http://www.foodnews.org/reportcard.php

Answer 6

NO SOLUTION ! Fuggetaboutit ! DDT was sprayed all over the place years ago, Think ya missed it ? Think again, traces of "DDT" are in YOU, ME and everyone. They even found traces of it in penguins in the Antarctic. WE ALL LIVE "DOWN STREAM" !