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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.