Nutrition

Can you rinse pesticides away?

Does running fruit and vegetables under a tap get rid of pesticides or do I need to peel them too?
Finlay Smith, by email

Washing fruit and veg removes any surface contaminants such as pesticides and fertiliser residues, both chemical and natural. So it’s always a good idea to wash your fruit and vegetables, whether they’re organic or conventionally grown. Most produce has been stored in warehouses, transported in containers and stored again in the premises of the retailers, so there are extra risks of contamination from dust, dirt and bacteria (this can apply to organic fruit and veg too).

The risk of being poisoned by eating unwashed fruit and veg is minimal but getting into the habit of washing all fruit and vegetables is simply good hygienic practice. We still recommend peeling certain fruit such as, you know, bananas.