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The Truth About What You Should Be Washing From The Grocery Store

Did you know washing certain foods can actually spread bacteria?

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Washing is not a fool-proof, fail-safe solution—there are times when you're actually increasing the risk for bacterial contamination if you rinse your food. Confused? This guide will show you exactly what you need to be rinsing, and what you should just let be.

1

WASH: Fruits/Vegetables with Inedible Peels

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If you aren't eating it, you don't need to wash it, right? Wrong. Even if you aren't eating the peel (think bananas, lemons, avocados, melons, etc.), you still need to wash it because bacteria can be transferred from the peel to the inside when you slice or peel it.

2

WASH: Jar Lids

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You should always wash jar or can lids before opening them because harmful particles or dirt can fall into the food. And of course, if you use a can opener, always clean it after using it.

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3

DON'T WASH: Fish

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You have the best intentions when you're rinsing your fish—but don't. Cooking kills bacteria far more effectively than water does, and you risk cross-contamination when the bacteria touches the water and accidentally splashes on your counter, knife, etc.

4

WASH: Soda Can Lids

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If your mouth is touching it, you should definitely be washing it. Soda can lids are exposed to dirt and various other harmful particles in the manufacturing and transferring processes, so before you put your mouth on it, wash it.

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5

WASH: Fruits/Vegetables with Edible Skins

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Wash all produce with edible skins. Even if it's organic. Even if it's already been misted in the produce section at the store. Don't use soap, but simply rinse with cool water (immediately before eating), and dry with a towel to reduce bacteria.

6

DON'T WASH: Raw Chicken

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Newsflash: You should never wash your raw chicken. In doing so, you're disturbing the bacteria on it and making it more likely that it can fly off the chicken and onto another surface, like your counter or other food you're preparing, and infect you. Instead, leave it up to the cooking heat to kill the bacteria.

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7

DON'T WASH: Eggs

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You never want to rinse eggs because you risk removing the natural coating in the laying process that acts as a defense for keeping air and bacteria out of the egg. Eggs are porous, so washing eggs removes this barrier and actually increases your risk for bacteria.

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