The presence of pesticides on fruits and vegetables is a growing concern for consumers, who often choose to peel or thoroughly wash these foods to reduce exposure to contaminants. However, a recent study suggests that these measures may not be enough to completely eliminate pesticide residues.
According to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), 41% of fruit and vegetables in Europe contain traces of pesticides. In addition, a study published in Nano Letters and reported by Phys.org has developed a high-tech imaging method that reveals how pesticide contamination can persist even after fruits and vegetables have been washed or peeled.
This discovery raises questions about the effectiveness of traditional food preparation techniques in preventing pesticide ingestion.
Experts recommend washing the fruit under a stream of running water, which is more effective than soaking it, as the water pressure helps to wash away pesticide residues.
Peeling the fruits is also an effective strategy to reduce exposure to pesticides, even though some nutrients can be lost when doing so.
Finally, drying the fruits and vegetables with a clean cloth or kitchen towel after washing them can help remove any residue that may have been left behind.
Source: lavanguardia.com