Eating Well As You Get Older

Frequently Asked Questions

36. How should I wash foods before preparing or eating them?

Rinse fresh fruits and vegetables under running tap water, including those with skins and rinds that are not eaten. Do not use detergent or bleach.

Unlike fruits and vegetables, raw meats and poultry do not need to be washed. Washing these raw foods might get rid of some bacteria but can increase the chance of spreading bacteria to other foods, surfaces, and utensils. Cooking these foods to a safe internal temperature will destroy any bacteria on the food.