Is it safe to wash produce in a VERY weak water/bleach solution?

Question

to kill the nasties (e-coli, etc) on the skin?

Answer 1

NO!! Warm water and a veg. brush will work just fine to remove any "nasties" and if you are going to cook the veg. then that will also take away any "nasties" that are left!!

Answer 2

Of course it is safe! I work in a retirement home and it is the law that the kitchen washes all fresh produce first before cooking in a 12 to 1 water and bleach solution to kill all bacteria, because old people, just like children are very fragile. We let the produce sit in the solution for 5 minutes and then rinse them thoroughly, and then prepare them. I do it at home all the time, it kills everything including e-coli and I don't worry about things when I eat spinach or tomatoes or whatever the latest scare might be at the moment

Answer 3

imnnot sure but they sell produce wash.

i wouldnt use bleach. at all.

but they have wash for it.

look where the produce is in your store.

the fit one is:

Purified water

Oleic acid and Glycerol (vegetable source)

Ethyl alcohol (corn)

Potassium hydrate (basic minerals)

Baking soda (basic minerals)

Citric acid (corn starch and molasses)

Distilled grapefruit oil

It does not contain any Phosphate

thats the ingredients. no bleach

Answer 4

In America you can just wash it under the tap.  I have a friend who winters in Mexico and she does use the bleach/water method so it's safe enough.  You don't really have to worry about it here.

Answer 5

you can sanitize pots pans, plates, silverware, cutting boards, just about anything you wash with bleach. But note: it is to sanitize, not wash. you need to wash your dishes first. After that; use 1 part bleach to 3 parts COLD water. soak your dishes in that, your dishes will sanitize.

Answer 6

It may be a bit of overkill, but yes it is. If you wash your veggies under regular chlorinated tapwater; its the same thing. Chlorine and water.

Answer 7

ABSOLUTELY NOT.

Bleach is very toxic.  a 5% solution kills EVERYTHING.

E.coli is easily kept from vegies with a good rinse.  with bacteria it is a numbers game.  it too many bugs are on the food then you get sick. Just a few is actually good for you as your body builds antibodies to the bacteria.  If you live too clean you have no resistance to bugs and will get sicker.  

Answer 8

Yes. bleach is not dangerous even if a little is ingested. just rinse well so the taste is gone.

Answer 9

I like washing my produce in cold water with a couple of drops of essential lemon oil.  I then rinse, dry and either use or store.  Essential oils have many anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties.  Any residue that might be left will not have the adverse flavor of bleach.