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News Topical, Digital Desk : Best Way to Remove Pesticides from Fruits: Often, we bring guavas from the market, wash them under the tap, and eat them straight away. But is simply rinsing them with water enough? Food safety guidelines state that while rinsing with running water does reduce dust, dirt, and, to some extent, pesticide residue, this method is not 100% effective. Therefore, it's important to clean guavas properly to minimize exposure to dirt and chemicals.

Why is it important to clean?

Fruits and vegetables go through many steps on their way from the farm to your plate. Contaminants in the soil and water during cultivation, contact with workers during harvesting and packaging, and repeated handling at the store can all leave traces of dirt, germs, and pesticides on them. This is why it's crucial to clean them properly before eating.

How to clean guava?

Cleaning guava isn't difficult. First, inspect the fruit carefully. If you see any bruises, rotten areas, or mold, cut them off. Then, place the guava under cold running water and gently scrub it with your hands. Simply immersing it in a bowl of water is less effective, as rinsing under running water removes any residue from the surface. Alternatively, you can lightly scrub the outer surface with a clean brush. After washing, dry it with a clean cloth or paper towel. Using soap, detergent, or any chemical wash is not recommended.

What things should be kept in mind?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which oversees food safety, reports that washing and rinsing fruits and vegetables under running water reduces pesticide exposure, but does not completely eliminate it. The EPA sets a certain limit for pesticide residues in food, called "tolerance," so that even small amounts of chemicals do not cause harm to children and adults. It is important to wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm water before and after cutting or peeling fruits to prevent the spread of dirt and germs. It is also recommended to wash fruits under running water in a sieve or by holding them in your hands, rather than immersing them in a bowl. This more effectively reduces pesticide residues on surfaces. However, it is important to note that no cleaning method is 100 percent effective.


Read More: Guava Cleaning Method: Pesticides cannot be removed from guava just by washing it with water. Know the correct way to clean it?

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