"How True is it that 'Baking Soda Removes Pesticides'? Examining Methods for Washing Vegetables and Fruits"

Where Does the Feeling of "Insecurity with Just Water" Come From?

The tomatoes used in your dinner salad, the apples given as snacks to your children. Have you ever wondered, while washing them under the tap, "Is this clean enough?"

Opening social media, you see various methods like soaking in baking soda, adding vinegar, or using special cleaning agents. While this seems like a meticulous lifestyle, it also raises the question of how much effort should be put into daily chores.

Here, it's important to distinguish between visible dirt and grime, microorganisms that can cause food poisoning, and residual pesticides. The results obtained from one method of washing do not solve all these issues.

The Basics of "Running Water" to Keep in Mind in Japanese Households

The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries advises thoroughly washing fresh vegetables under running water suitable for drinking before cooking or eating them. Washing hands before touching vegetables and using clean knives and cutting boards are also part of the basics.

There is a reason for this order. Even if you wash the vegetables, touching them with dirty hands or utensils afterward can introduce contamination from elsewhere.

Additionally, since bacteria can easily multiply at the cut surfaces of vegetables, it is advisable to eat them soon after cutting and refrigerate any portions not immediately consumed in a clean container. It's important to consider the handling of food from washing to serving as a continuous process.

There is a Reason to Wash Even Fruits You Don't Eat the Peel Of

Are you cutting into fruits directly, thinking "It's okay because I'm peeling it"?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends washing fruits even if you don't eat the peel, before cutting or peeling them, to prevent transferring surface dirt and bacteria to the inside during preparation.

Washing doesn't need to be forceful. Gently scrub under running water, and use a clean vegetable brush for items with firm surfaces like cucumbers and melons. After washing, dry with a clean cloth or paper towel.

However, while washing can reduce bacteria, it cannot remove all of them. It's important to avoid the misconception that "it's completely safe because it's washed."

There is Research on Baking Soda, But It's Not "Universal"

There is scientific research on cleaning with baking soda.

A study published in 2017 compared the removal effects of washing methods on two pesticides, thiabendazole and phosmet, applied to apples. Under experimental conditions, it took 12 and 15 minutes, respectively, to remove surface residues using 1% baking soda solution.

On the other hand, pesticides that had penetrated inside the peel could not be completely removed even with baking soda solution.

It's important to note that this was an experiment using specific apples, pesticides, and conditions. The study does not conclude that "soaking all vegetables in baking soda will remove pesticides" or "the same method will remove bacteria causing food poisoning."

Experiments that examined removal rates did not directly verify how much such washing methods reduce human illness. When incorporating research results into household habits, it's necessary to confirm what the research measured.

On Social Media, There Are Both "Wanting to Wash Thoroughly" and "Tired of Advertisements"

On the overseas forum-style social media Reddit, contrasting opinions are exchanged about how to wash fruits and vegetables.

A thread poster, who usually uses baking soda or vinegar, expressed uncertainty upon seeing advertisements for special cleaning agents.

In response, some people mentioned washing by rubbing with hands under water, or using a brush as needed. There were also comments expressing fatigue from being surrounded by advertisements suggesting product purchases as solutions.

The discussion introduced here is a public post about vegetable washing in general and not a direct response to the specified article. It reflects individual experiences and opinions, not a public survey.

Nevertheless, this exchange reveals common concerns: the desire to "clean more thoroughly" and the confusion of "not knowing how much is enough." When choosing a washing method, it's important not to use visual changes or advertising impressions as the sole measure of safety.

Check Packaging and Usage Before Adding Detergent

The FDA does not recommend washing fruits and vegetables with soap, detergent, or commercial produce washes. While this is guidance for U.S. consumers and does not uniformly determine the use or labeling of individual products in Japan, it's not necessary to think "the stronger the cleaning, the better" as a household basic.

Bagged salads also do not necessarily mean "washed" just because they are in a bag. The first thing to check is the packaging label. The FDA states that products labeled as washed and ready to eat can be used without additional washing. If you choose to wash them again, it's important to avoid recontamination from dirty utensils, etc.

For Japanese products, start by checking instructions like "can be eaten without washing," along with storage methods and expiration dates.

Daily Measures Start from the Shopping Stage

The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries also recommends placing meat and seafood in plastic bags when shopping to prevent their juices from contaminating vegetables.

Before searching for special cleaning methods, review how raw meat and salad vegetables are packed in your shopping bag, whether your cutting board is clean, and if cut vegetables are left at room temperature. These actions are also part of food poisoning prevention.

If you're unsure about washing methods, return to the basics of using potable running water, clean hands and utensils, and appropriate storage for the food. Establishing a routine that can be followed daily is a sure step towards enjoying delicious fruits and vegetables.

Source URL

1. Sydney Morning Herald / Good Food
   https://www.smh.com.au/goodfood/tips-and-advice/how-to-wash-fruit-and-vegetables-20261006-p6135w.html

2. Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries "To Safely and Deliciously Eat Fresh Vegetables." On running water washing, hand washing, utensil hygiene, cross-contamination prevention during purchase, and post-cut storage.
   https://www.maff.go.jp/j/syouan/seisaku/foodpoisoning/fresh_vege.html

3. FDA "7 Tips for Cleaning Fruits, Vegetables." On gentle scrubbing, washing before peeling, and using brushes or clean towels.
   https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/7-tips-cleaning-fruits-vegetables

4. FDA "Selecting and Serving Produce Safely." On the inability to completely remove bacteria through washing, recommendations on detergents, and handling of washed products.
   https://www.fda.gov/food/buy-store-serve-safe-food/selecting-and-serving-produce-safely

5. Yang et al. (2017) "Effectiveness of Commercial and Homemade Washing Agents in Removing Pesticide Residues on and in Apples." An original paper examining the removal effects and limitations of baking soda solution on two pesticides applied to apples.
   https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.jafc.7b03118

6. Reddit "How are you guys washing your fruits and vegetables?" A public post discussing baking soda, vinegar, running water washing, and confusion over advertisements for special cleaning agents. Not a direct response to the original article.
   https://www.reddit.com/r/moderatelygranolamoms/comments/133zwoq/how_are_you_guys_washing_your_fruits_and/