With Soap
It may seem logical that soap would make vegetables cleaner, but that’s not recommended.
Produce is porous, and soap or household detergents can leave residues. The FDA advises consumers not to wash fruits and vegetables with soap, detergent, bleach, or household cleaning products.
Plain running water is the safer choice.
Don’t Forget Cross-Contamination
Sometimes the biggest food-safety problem isn’t the vegetable itself—it’s what touches it.
Keep fresh produce away from raw meat, poultry, and seafood. Use clean cutting boards, knives, countertops, and utensils.
Also wash your hands with soap and water before and after preparing fresh produce.
Raw Isn’t Always the Best Choice for Everyone
Raw vegetables can be nutritious, but cooking has an important advantage: sufficient heat can destroy many harmful microorganisms.
This is especially relevant for higher-risk foods such as raw sprouts.
People at greater risk of serious foodborne illness—including pregnant people, young children, older adults,
